Picture Credit: IPL/BCCI
Punjab Kings began their IPL 2021 campaign in a destructive style as they completely hammered the Rajasthan Royals' bowlers all round the park. After losing the wicket of Mayank Agarwal early in the innings, experienced duo of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle added 67 runs for the second wicket. However, after the dismissal of Universe Boss, it looked like Sanju Samson's side will make their way back into the contest. However, no one saw it coming what followed next.
Deepak Hooda launches a counter-attack
The 25-year-old all-rounder was sent at No. 4 ahead of explosive players like Nicholas Pooran and Shahrukh Khan. Deepak Hooda certainly justified his promotion as launched an assault against RR bowlers. The right-handed batsman smashed 3 sixes in the 14th over bowled by leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal. Hooda played some delightful shots as he went on to complete his half-century off only 20 deliveries.
Notably, it was only his third fifty of his IPL career and undoubtedly, one of the most entertaining ones. It was certainly some way to give a statement after he was recently suspended by Baroda Cricket Board for opting out of Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Hooda's explosive knock:
Hooda's explosive knock eventually came to an end after Chris Morris dismissed him on 64 runs (off 28 deliveries). It will be really exciting to see if the Baroda cricketer can continue his scintillating form that he showed on Monday in Mumbai.