Deepak Hooda leaves Baroda; set to shift base to Rajasthan

In what comes as a huge blow for the Baroda cricket team, Deepak Hooda has confirmed his exit from the state ahead of the new domestic season. Hooda has been representing Baroda since 2013, from the age of 17, but earlier this year the all-rounder found himself getting involved in a tussle with Krunal Pandya. Hooda alleged that Pandya misbehaved with him during a net session, and wrote to the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) about the same. However, to his shock, BCA responded by suspending Hooda from the 2020/21 domestic season, a decision that baffled the 26-year-old.

Now, six months on, the hard-hitting batsman has decided to leave Baroda ahead of the 2021/22 season that will kick-off in October.

"It is definitely a sad feeling to quit Baroda, for whom I have played throughout my career. But I spoke to my coaches, well wishers and thought this was the right decision for me," Hooda told Sportstar.

According to Sportstar, the Punjab Kings star is reportedly set to shift base to Rajasthan, who were semi-finalists in the previous edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Earlier today, Baroda legend Irfan Pathan also took to Twitter to express disappointment over the BCA letting go a key senior figure who was the nucleus of the team’s batting line-up not too long ago.

“How many cricket association will loose out on a player who is in the Indian team probables list? Deepak Hooda leaving baroda cricket is a huge loss. He could have easily given his services for another ten years as he is still young. As a Barodian It’s utterly disappointing,” Pathan tweeted.