NZ vs IND: We have a legend playing at 3, I have to be realistic, says Deepak Hooda 


image-laryyfg4Hooda alongside Kohli, Surya and Rohit [Source: Twitter]

During Virat Kohli's lean patch, the Indian team management tried several batters in T20Is  across 2022. Deepak Hooda, on the back of a run-laden domestic season, made his T20I debut for India in February and slammed a hundred in just his fifth match.

However, the batting all-rounder has struggled to make a mark at the top-level, despite playing 15 T20Is and 8 ODIs. The 27-year-old played a solitary match in the T20 World Cup 2022 but ended up starring with the ball during India's second T20I win over hosts New Zealand on Sunday.

Hooda, who bowls off-spin, ahead of the start of play at Napier, spoke about his desired batting position with Team India. Speaking to Amazon Prime, Hooda revealed that with Kohli occupying the number 3 spot in the line-up, it is impossible for anyone else to even think about it.

"I would like to bat at 5, we have a legend playing at 3 and I have to be realistic, I can't get that spot. It's a problem at times to adapt to batting at 5 or 6, but I have done that role as I am an utility player and need to play according to the situation of the game," 

Interestingly, Hooda was handed his debut ODI cap by Kohli. 


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