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Pietersen an inspiration for me: Deepak Hooda

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Deepak Hooda

Mumbai: Rajasthan Royals batsman Deepak Hooda, who came into the limelight after his match-winning knock against Delhi Daredevils in an Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter, said exiled England batter Kevin Pietersen inspires him to play attacking cricket.

“Kevin Pietersen is my inspiration when it comes to batting because he also is an attacking batsman and loves to play big shots. My role in the team is also to play big shots and score quickly whenever the situation arises like I have done in a few games this season. I also practise my big shots in the nets,” Hooda said here on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old walked in to bat at No.6 against Daredevils on April 12 and smashed 54 off 25 balls, which included three fours and four sixes. His knock helped Royals register a three-wicket win.

“Before the start of the IPL, I was practising in the nets on how to bat, both up and down the order and in different situations. So I was mentally prepared on how to bat in different positions and that is what helped me. The Rajasthan Royals management and coaches have also backed me fully and have encouraged me to play freely and express myself out in the middle which has further boosted my confidence,” the right-hander said.

The youngster, who plays his first-class cricket for Baroda, credited team mentor Rahul Dravid for constant support and motivation.

“You learn a lot from someone like Rahul Dravid. I have spoken to him on things like how to bat in certain situations, how to handle pressure situations and lot of other things related to my batting. I always love to go upto him and have a chat about batting. I also discuss a lot with Paddy Upton. They also come up to me at times and give me tips about batting,” Hooda said.

In 2014 he didn’t get to play for Royals despite being in the squad. However, the Rohtak-born is aiming to make the most of the opportunity this season.

“Last season I didn’t get to play a single match but I used to speak to the coaches and support staff on how to develop my game. But since last season, I was mentally prepared and was waiting for the opportunity that would come my way. This season when I finally got the chance I was very happy and looked to make most of the opportunity,” the 20-year-old said.

Hooda also praised Royals skipper Shane Watson and teammate Steven Smith for being by his side and motivating him in both good and tough times.

“Captain Shane Watson constantly inspires me and tells me to keep playing my shots. Even when I am not doing well, the captain and coaches come and motivate me so I am loving being part of the Rajasthan Royals where I am learning a lot,” he said.

“In the last two matches I didn’t do well and I went up to Steven Smith and discussed the same. Smith was very helpful and explained why I failed to deliver in those games which should help me in future matches.”

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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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