Would've liked to see Hooda at 5 today despite his success at 3. Generally speaking, he's the closest thing to the "big six hitter" that India need in the batting order. Also provides a sixth bowler option with his offspin. Would be hard to fit Pant in with an XI in a full strength XI if Hooda plays, but if we're going by in form players, Hooda needs to be somewhere in that top five.
Think Shreyas was touted to be the #3/middle order backup for the T20 WC before the Ireland & Eng tours, but looks like Hooda might just get ahead of him in that T20 WC squad with his form. The re-emergence of his short ball vulnerabilities in recent times have really hurt his chances here.