Easy does it for UP Yoddhas' Bharat Hooda. The raider's unfettered responses reflect an uncluttered mind. Though the stereotype of the 'simpleton Haryanvi' stands long broken in society, Hooda's apparent aversion to complication is reminiscent of a certain Virender Sehwag in his playing days. (More Sports News)
Sample this. Asked about his goals for Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 11 and beyond, Hooda says: "Koi goal-voal na hai, saath ki saath sochein na," which loosely translates to: "I have no goals, as I think about things as they happen". He adds: "Badhiya mehnat karni hai, badhiya khelna hai, team khaatir ladna hai, bas. Extra dimaag lagaate konya, dimaag kharaab ho ja (I want to work hard, play well, fight for my team, that's it. I don't think too much, lest the brain malfunctions)."
The reader and writer are at once made aware of what celebrated lyricist-poet Javed Akhtar meant when he said that translation is "like transferring perfume from a bottle to another — however carefully one does it, some scent floats away".
What doesn't float away, though, is Hooda's gratitude to the Yoddhas. Despite an injury in the previous season and criticism from Bengaluru Bulls coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat, Hooda was entrusted by the Uttar Pradesh franchise to fill the experienced Pradeep Narwal's boots in 2024-25. And that too at a whopping price of INR 1.30 crore, making him the most expensive player in the 'B' category at this season's auction.
"They (UP Yoddhas) have trusted me a lot. I was injured last year, yet they reposed faith to put all that money on me in the auction. I will strive hard to come good on that trust," Hooda says.
He is bullish about the Yoddhas' team combination and their chances to claim the title as well. "My team is solid, with a strong defence as well as offence. We work in a collective fashion, using players as per the need of the hour. The team should win, that's all that matters."
He adds, "There is no doubting the fact that our defensive arsenal is really good, and our offence is even better. We have towering raiders like Bhavani (Rajput), (Surender) Gill, myself, (Gagana) Gowda and Shivam (Chaudhary). We are second to none in skills and will play with the right combination to succeed this season."
The role of coaches in harnessing said combinations and individuals is vital. While Hooda's previous coach Sehrawat openly questioned his maturity for a lapse during a PKL 10 face-off between the Bulls and Yoddhas, the raider makes no bones about the importance of mentoring. "Different coaches have different strategies. But at the core of it, they all point out mistakes and our job is to keep working on them."
When not strictly 'working', however, Hooda and his teammates can be seeing playing volleyball and football in the midst of training. Is it a calculated call to aid gameplay? The answer is a flat no from the straight-shooting man, who plays PUBG for leisure. "Our entire week is spent practising on the mat. So for one day, we try to play another sport, just for fun. Hence volleyball. It's a form of entertainment for us."
He believes PKL 11 will also be super entertaining, what with the teams lining up as they are. "All teams are strong, this time around. With the sides on an equal footing and most players fit, expect every match to be fought intensely and a thrilling season ahead."
The action won't cease at the conclusion of PKL 11 for Hooda, who represents the Indian Navy otherwise. Soon after departing from PKL, Hooda heads to the Navy base in Colaba, Mumbai, where a similar practice routine begins. "Duty hi humaari woh hai: khelna, khelna, khelna. Tournament chalte rehte hein. Rest toh bahut hi kam milta hai (That's what is our duty: play, play and more play. Tournaments keep happening. Rest is rare)."
