IPL 2019 | David Warner is always an inspiration, says Deepak Hooda

03/19/2019

Deepak Hooda has underlined the fact that David Warner has always been an inspiration for the Sunrisers Hyderabad side in the IPL. After missing out the 11th edition of the league because of the one-year ban following the sandpaper gate controversy, Warner is back in the SRH squad for this year.

As the Australian opener is all set to play in the IPL after missing out the last edition, SRH all-rounder Hooda has said that the left-hander is an inspiration for the entire side. Warner had led the Hyderabad side to title victory in 2016 while Kane Williamson captained the side in the previous season in which they finished second after losing to Chennai Super Kings in the final.

"David Warner, obviously, has always been an inspiration for the team. His attitude has always been to lead from the front. The whole team enjoys with him and feels more confident. When an international player of his stature comes into the team it boosts the morale of the rest of the players as well," Hooda told India Today.

Hooda also talked about the impact of Williamson as the captain of the team in the last season. The Baroda all-rounder also termed Williamson as one of the best captains in world cricket and said that the Kiwi batsman helped the bowlers in field placements during death overs last season.

"Kane Williamson, as well all know, is one of the best captains at the international level as well, he leads the New Zealand team," Hooda said.

"There is no doubt he is an outstanding captain. Even last year we played the final under him. He spoke to the bowlers constantly, guided them in the death overs and made the correct field changes. All these small things matter a lot."

Hooda became popular after starring for Rajasthan Royals in the 2015 edition of the league. However, the very next year, he was picked up by the Hyderabad-based franchise. He has now played for the 2016 edition champions in three seasons and had some decent outings as a batting all-rounder.

When asked about his aim to get into the Indian team, Hooda replied, "I am not thinking about the India call up now. I tend to focus on one thing at a time. Right now, my focus is completely on the IPL. If I perform well, then we will see where it takes me.”

"When it comes to personal expectations, I want to fulfill whatever role the team wants me to play. There is a bit of pressure that is associated with an all-rounder. But at the end of the day, I want to enjoy cricket. That's why I am playing the sport. I always look to react to situations."

Sunrisers have some very good all-rounders in the team which includes a few foreigners as well who have been doing a great job all around the world. Hooda heaped praise on Mohammed Nabi, Shakib Al Hasan and Yusuf Pathan and said that he has learned a lot from the senior all-rounders in the squad during IPL matches.

“We have some of the world's best all-rounders in SRH. There is Nabi bhai, there, there is Shakib [Al Hasan] bhai. I have also played with Yusuf bhai for Baroda. These guys have a set thinking process when it comes to being an all-rounder and I have been able to observe and know that. As a youngster, I am excited to learn a lot of things from these players," the Baroda all-rounder explained.

IPL 2019 | David Warner is always an inspiration, says Deepak Hooda

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