It was an unexpected treat for oneself and all present at the Malahide ground in Dublin when Deepak Hooda left to open with Ishan Kishan – rather than Ruturaj Gaikwad – on Sunday in the T20I opener against Ireland.
After the match, chief Hardik Pandya made sense of the explanation for the move. Hardik said that Gaikwad had a niggle in the calf and that was the explanation they didn’t believe he should open.
Hooda, then again, snatched his chance well as he hit a splendid 47 off 29 balls. His innings was bound with six fours and two sixes. Hooda found his musicality after a scratchy beginning and set up a coordinated winning 64-run stand with Hardik.
“Rutu had a niggle in his calf,” India captain Hardik Pandya said in his post-match press conference. “We had the choice of taking a risk and sending him in [to open], but I was not okay with it. A player’s well-being is more important, and [I thought] we’ll be able to manage what happens in the match.
“It was quite simple after that, there wasn’t much of a decision to make; whatever our [batting-order] numbers were, we all went up one spot, and it wasn’t a big headache. We wanted to make sure we weren’t taking any chances with Rutu.” Stated by Hardik Pandya.
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While Hardik left subsequent to hitting three sixes, Hooda remained till the finish to raise a ruckus around town four.
It would be fascinating to check whether India roll out any improvements for the second T20I which happens on Tuesday.
