Hooda credits Dravid, Royals magement

New Delhi, April 12: Middle-order batsman Deepak Hooda, who starred for Rajasthan Royals in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Delhi Daredevils on Sunday, credited the team magement and mentor Rahul Dravid for his match-winning knock.

In reply to Daredevils' 184/3, Royals were struggling at 78/4 in the 11th over when Hooda joined opener Ajinkya Rahane in the middle. Rahane scored 47.

The Indian Under-19 World Cupper played a very crucial innings of 54 in just 24 deliveries. His knock included four sixes and three fours and that pulled Royals into contention.

"Coming in at that position, I just tried to play tural cricket. Rahane told me to first get a partnership before going for big shots and I did exactly that," the Baroda batsman told reporters.

"I want to thank the team magement. Dravid told me to hang in there till the last and to believe yourself and it helped me a lot. IANS