Asia Cup: I will be tempted to use Deepak Hooda against Pakistan for Ravindra Jadeja, says Wasim Jaffer

Former cricketer Wasim Jaffer said that he would be tempted to use Deepak Hooda instead of Ravindra Jadeja in the clash against Pakistan, saying that Hooda would make the batting stronger.

Jadeja was ruled out of the Asia Cup on Friday as he sustained an injury and Axar Patel was named as his replacement. Hooda is already part of the squad for the tournament and Jaffer suggested that he would be tempted to use the 27-year-old on Sunday.

Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, the former cricketer said that Hooda will make the batting stronger. Jaffer went on to say that the 27-year-old’s flexibility with the bat and ability to bowl a few overs will add more value to the team.

“I will be tempted, there is no doubt about that. Because it makes the batting even more stronger. Against Pakistan specially, we have not played the brand of cricket we talk about, that aggressive approach, because our batting is till seven. If Hooda comes in, the batting will get a bit longer, so yeah, I will be tempted. He can bowl those two overs and he can bat anywhere,” said Jaffer.

Jaffer was asked who he would pick between Patel and Hooda for Sunday’s clash and said that the team management would opt for the former due to the presence of Pakistani spinners, Shadab Khan and Mohammed Nawaz.

“I think that is the only question. If India doesn’t play Axar Patel, or even Rishabh Pant, I mean Rishabh Pant is not expected to play as because India have gone with Dinesh Karthik. But the only problem is, there’s no left-hander. Pakistan have Shadab Khan and Mohammed Nawaz. So you will be tempted to play atleast one left-hander and use him as a floater when they’re bowling. So saying that, that’s the only question mark. So because of that we might see Axar Patel and not Deepak Hooda,” said Jaffer.

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