Deepak Hooda Ends Rift with Krunal Pandya, Set to Rejoin Baroda
Deepak Hooda is expected to return to Baroda for the 2026-27 domestic season, capping off a five-year sabbatical that began with a very public falling out with Krunal Pandya.
The 31-year-old all-rounder left Baroda in early 2021 and has since represented Rajasthan in every domestic format. Hooda’s exact schedule for the 2026-27 season has yet to be revealed.
The disagreement reached a climax on the eve of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in January 2021. Hooda walked out of the Baroda team hotel, publicly accusing terrible behaviour, foul language, and bullying by Krunal, the squad’s captain. Hooda was barred from competing in the 2020-21 season due to indiscipline, according to the BCA.
Separately, Jitesh Sharma will remain available to Baroda as a guest player, but his involvement will be confined to white-ball cricket only.
What led to Deepak Hooda resignation from Baroda in 2021?
The incident involving Hooda and Pandya drew widespread attention in Indian domestic cricket. Hooda’s charges were severe, and the BCA’s choice to enforce a ban rather than publicly address the underlying facts exacerbated the dispute.
Following the ban, Hooda relocated to Rajasthan and began representing the association in the 2021-22 domestic season. His return to Baroda brings an end to a five-year-old storyline.
What is Deepak Hooda record ahead of his Baroda return?
Deepak Hooda brings a wealth of domestic and international experience back to Baroda. In 67 first-class matches, he has scored 4,267 runs at an average of 45.39, including 14 centuries, 18 half-centuries, and a top score of 293 not out. His bowling in the format has produced 29 wickets at 41.44, with a highest result of 5/31.
Deepak Hooda has 3,340 runs at 38.83 in 109 List A matches, including six centuries and 17 half-centuries, with a career best of 104. He has also taken 42 wickets in the format at 29.92, including a best of five for 55. In 230 T20 matches, he has scored 3,972 runs at 24.67, including two centuries and a top score of 108.
At the international level, the all-rounder, who has represented different franchises in the Indian Premier League, has played 10 One-Day Internationals, scoring 153 runs at 25.50 and taking three wickets at 39.66.
In 21 Twenty20 Internationals, he has scored 368 runs at 30.66 and claimed six wickets at 12.66. His most recent outing for India was in a T20I against New Zealand on February 1, 2023.
