Punjab Kings’ swashbuckling batsman Deepak Hooda created a storm in the ongoing match against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Before the match began at the Wankhede Stadium, the toss was won by the new skipper of RR, Sanju Samson, who chose to bowl first. KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal walked out to open the innings for Punjab Kings and gave a solid start to their team. However, it was the performance of Deepak Hooda that stole the show.
Deepak walked out to bat at number 4 with all-guns-blazing, after Chris Gayle’s dismissal. Hooda formed an amazing partnership with skipper KL Rahul and both of them took the game by storm. He became the first uncapped player to smash a half-century in less than 23 balls twice in IPL history. He completed his 50 off just 20 deliveries. The fastest record is held by the Mumbai Indians’ star opener Ishan Kishan, who had achieved this feat three years ago in only 17 balls.
However, the sensational knock of Hooda came to an end after he was caught out by Riyan Parag after scoring 64 runs off 28 balls. His stunning knock was laced by 4 fours and 6 sixes. Hooda walked back after playing a sensational knock and was greeted with fist bumps.
Meanwhile, fans on social media went berserk as soon as Deepak Hooda completed his half-century. Several experts and cricketers also took to their social media to applaud the performance of Hooda. Many came up with hilarious memes and jokes as they hailed the batting masterclass of Hooda.
Here, check out the reactions of Twitterati on this:
All right Hooda calm down ? 50 runs from 20 balls. He’s on fire! ? #RRvPBKS #IPL2021
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) April 12, 2021
Hooda, that was a slap.. #IPL
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) April 12, 2021
https://twitter.com/Cricketpolls49/status/1381627533792137222?s=20
What a knock from Deepak Hooda, statement made, fifty from just 20 balls, this was six hitting exhibition from Hooda. #IPL2021
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 12, 2021
If you want to learn to never back down then read the story of Deepak Hooda’s past few months and watch him bat tonight. Well played buddy! #Fighter #mentallystrong
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 12, 2021
Fifty in just 20 balls by Deepak Hooda, it’s his 2nd consecutive IPL fifty and 3rd overall. The way he’s played this innings was just treat to watch, fearsome striking throughout the innings.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 12, 2021
Krunal Pandya after seeing Hooda batting like this*#RRvsPBKS #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/OUnCanJd2E
— Aman (@WhyParabola) April 12, 2021
20 balls fifty for Deepak Hooda. What an innings played by Deepak Hooda. He scored 50* runs from 20 balls including 1 fours and 6 SIXES against RR. Absolute brutal hitting batting by Deepak Hooda. #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/3Fyy5fEnih
— CricketMAN2 (@man4_cricket) April 12, 2021
https://twitter.com/KLaassyGajal/status/1381630044145995777?s=20
Hooda’s trying to put kerchief on the World T20 squad.
— Vks (@VikHasya) April 12, 2021
#RRvPBKS
Deepak Hooda in today’s match: pic.twitter.com/nWVM8hUQLM— Nishant Sharma ? (@srcsmic_enginer) April 12, 2021