Xtra Time Web Desk : BCCI on Wednesday announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against the West Indies. Apart from Rohit Sharma’s come back, the three players who grabbed the headlines were, Ravi Bishoi, Deepak Hooda & Avesh Khan as they earned their call ups to Team India, with the first two earning their maiden ones.
On that note, former Team India all rounder Irfan Pathan congratulated Deepak Hooda for the feat and took to his Twitter to write, “You came out of a tough phase, you kept fighting, kept performing. So proud @HoodaOnFire, congratulations. Make the most of it. Congratulations to Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh khan.”
And now Hooda has now opened up how the former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan helped him to get going in his tough times.
In an interview with the Indian Express, the 26 year old said, “People wondered and doubts crept in pretty often, but Irfan bhai always told me one line, ‘Apna time aayega’. I slowly got close to Irfan bhai and Yusuf (Pathan) bhai. They taught me to be calm, they made me realise the power of calmness. As a youngster it was natural to be restless and I was no exception. It was hampering my game. At times, I tried too hard. Tried to overdo things that weren’t needed. I remember Irfan bhai telling me the importance of preparation and process. Doing the same thing over and over again, without expecting anything from anyone. So, be it the gym sessions, training at the nets and following a strict diet; I always maintained a good work ethic. It paid off.”
The Men in Blue are set to play three ODIs at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad from 6th February followed by the T20I series at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata from 16th February.