Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina who has been part of Team India during some memorable triumphs has now picked a player who could imitate the batting legend Sachin Tendulkar for India.
Suresh Raina has suggested that India’s all-rounder, Deepak Hooda, deserves to be a regular player in the team’s playing XI. According to Raina, Hooda’s skill in both batting and bowling could make things easier for captain Rohit Sharma during the upcoming ODI World Cup. The ODI world cup will be hosted by India in the months of October-November this year.
Suresh Raina remembered when Team India had successful batting all-rounders like Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, and Yuvraj Singh. He highlighted the importance of such players in easing the pressure on the bowling attack by contributing to their bowling skills. Raina recalled how former captain MS Dhoni used him against left-handed batters. He praised Hooda and said that this all-rounder could be a valuable asset for the team in the ODIs and T20s.
“I remember how Viru pa, Yuvi pa, and Sachin paaji used to bowl. Yusuf and I as well. Whenever a left-hander used to come to the crease, Mahi Bhai would call me. I think Deepak Hooda could bring that factor; he can be the floater batter. He’s a terrific fielder, a good offie, and can replicate his T20 form in ODIs,” Raina told Sports Tak.
Raina feels that the pitches during the upcoming World Cup will favor spin bowling. Therefore, having a spin-bowling all-rounder would be beneficial for the team. He said that Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are already established spinners and someone like Hooda will strengthen the bowling attack with them.
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“We have Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel; there will be spin-friendly wickets, and it will be a bit cold when the World Cup starts. There will be dew, and there might not be much turn on offer. Axar, Jadeja, and Hooda will be important, and so will Hardik Pandya with his pace and variation. We saw how Viru pa and Yuvi pa used to bring impact with the ball. Yuvi Pa was the X-factor; he bowled really well, and that confidence also showed in his batting,” Raina said
