Deepak Hooda is set to return to Baroda for domestic cricket. He had left the team five years ago after a dispute with captain Krunal Pandya. The Baroda Cricket Association has confirmed that Hooda is coming back and that all issues between him and Krunal have been sorted.
Hooda had moved to Rajasthan as a professional for the 2021-22 season. He had been banned by the BCA for the 2020-21 season after walking out of the team hotel on the eve of a match. He had alleged that Krunal Pandya’s bad behaviour and abusive language made him depressed and forced him to leave. However, BCA CEO Snehal Parikh said all issues between the board and Hooda have now been resolved.
Hooda is a hard-hitting batter with a strong domestic record. In 67 first-class matches, he has scored over 4,200 runs with 14 centuries. He has also played for India in 10 ODIs and 21 T20Is. He last played for India in a T20I against New Zealand in February 2023.
The BCA also announced that wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma will continue to represent Baroda as a guest player in white-ball formats. Former India pacer Munaf Patel has been appointed as the pace bowling coach and mentor of the BCA academy in Vadodara.
Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya Feud: What Happened and How They Reconciled
The feud between Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya is a well-known incident in Indian domestic cricket. It happened in January 2021 and led to Hooda leaving Baroda for five years.
The dispute occurred on the eve of Baroda’s first match in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Hooda, who was the team’s vice-captain at the time, walked out of the team hotel and the bio-secure bubble. He accused captain Krunal Pandya of using abusive language and bullying him during a practice session. Hooda said these actions left him feeling demoralised, depressed, and under pressure.
In an email to the Baroda Cricket Association, Hooda gave a detailed account of what happened. He said Pandya verbally abused him in front of teammates and players from other teams. On the day of the incident, Hooda was practising with the head coach’s permission, but Pandya stopped him and said he was in charge. Hooda also claimed Pandya had been trying to undermine him and was threatening his place in the team.
The Baroda Cricket Association suspended Hooda for the 2020-21 season for indiscipline. He then left Baroda and played for Rajasthan for the next five years.
In September 2026, it was confirmed that Hooda would return to Baroda. The BCA CEO stated that Hooda and Pandya had spoken and resolved their differences. This reconciliation ended their five-year rift.
Deepak Hooda Now Returns to Baroda After Five Years
Deepak Hooda is set to return to Baroda for the current domestic season. He is coming back after five years away from his home state. He had left the team after a feud with captain Krunal Pandya.
Hooda had walked out of the team hotel in 2021. He alleged verbal abuse and bullying by Pandya during a practice session. He was suspended by the Baroda Cricket Association for indiscipline and moved to Rajasthan.
The BCA CEO confirmed Hooda’s return and said all past issues between him, Pandya, and the association have been resolved. He said Hooda got everything from Baroda and is now back to play for them again.
Hooda is a 31-year-old batting all-rounder. He bowls handy off-spin. He has represented India in 10 ODIs and 21 T20Is. He has also played for several IPL teams, including Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Chennai Super Kings. His first-class record includes 4,267 runs at an average of 45.39 with 14 centuries.
The BCA CEO expressed happiness about Hooda’s return, calling it a homecoming for a local boy. He noted that Hooda made his Ranji Trophy debut for Baroda and scored a century in his first game. The return brings valuable experience back to the Baroda side.
FAQ
Q. Why did Deepak Hooda leave Baroda?
A. Hooda left after a dispute with Krunal Pandya.
Q. How long was Deepak Hooda away from Baroda?
A. Hooda was away from Baroda for five years.
Q. How many first-class runs has Hooda scored?
A. Hooda has scored 4,267 first-class runs.
Q. How many centuries has Hooda scored in first-class cricket?
A. Hooda has scored 14 first-class centuries.
Q. When did Deepak Hooda last play for India?
A. Hooda last played for India in February 2023.
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