New Delhi, September 3: Batting all-rounder Deepak Hooda is set to return to play for his home state team, Baroda, in the current domestic season after a five-year hiatus.
Hooda left Baroda for the Rajasthan team following a fallout with captain Krunal Pandya. He was suspended by the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) for indiscipline after leaving the team hotel and the bio-bubble just before the first match of the 2021 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Hooda also alleged mistreatment by Pandya during practice sessions.
BCA’s Chief Executive Officer Snehal Parikh confirmed on Thursday that all previous complaints between Hooda, Pandya, and the association have been resolved. He stated, “Yes, Deepak is going to play for Baroda in domestic cricket again. He received everything from Baroda, and now he has come back to play for us. I would say there was no problem, but if there was, I believe it has been resolved now.”
Hooda is also known for his impressive off-spin bowling. He has played 10 One Day Internationals and 21 T20 matches for India, bringing valuable experience to the Baroda team. In the IPL, Hooda has represented teams like Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Chennai Super Kings. So far, he has amassed 4,267 first-class runs at an average of 45.39, including 14 centuries. Additionally, he has scored nearly 3,972 runs in T20 cricket and 3,340 runs in List A cricket.
Parikh further added, “The best part is that our own player is coming home. We are very happy with his return. He made his Ranji Trophy debut for us and is the second player after me to score a century in his first match.”
Snehal also confirmed that wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma will continue to play for Baroda as a guest player, but only in white-ball matches, while fast bowler Rasik Salam will participate in all formats. He mentioned, “Jitesh will only play white-ball matches. Rasik will play all formats. Our new head coach R. Prasanna, a former Tamil Nadu batsman, is already with the Baroda team for the KSC-Dr. (Captain) K. Thimappaiah Memorial Tournament.”
The BCA is also incorporating former Indian fast bowler Munaf Patel into their backroom staff, who was part of the team that won the ODI World Cup in 2011.
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