Deepak Hooda had alleged that Krunal Pandya had been trying to pull him down and also warned him that he would ensure he did not play for Baroda again. (FILE)
Deepak Hooda had alleged that Krunal Pandya had been trying to pull him down and also warned him that he would ensure he did not play for Baroda again. (FILE)

Deepak Hooda, a talented young all-rounder has decided to leave Baroda and join Rajasthan ahead of the next Indian domestic season. The decision comes after he had a fallout with the management last season.

As per reports in Sportstar, the all-rounder has already obtained the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA).

Deepak Hooda screengrab
Deepak Hooda screengrab

Deepak Hooda Feels Sad To Quit Baroda

Speaking on the development, Deepak Hooda believes it is the right decision as far as his career is concerned. While the 26-year-old would have been eligible to represent Baroda in the next season, he has left his state team.

“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.”

Krunal Pandya-Instagram

Earlier this year, Deepak Hooda was suspended by the BCA during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy following an argument with skipper Krunal Pandya. He left the bubble midway through and brought a plethora of allegations against Krunal Pandya in an email addressed to the BCA.

Deepak Hooda’s Decision Disappointed Irfan Pathan Who Criticized BCA

The Punjab Kings all-rounder alleged that spin all-rounder Krunal Pandya abused and bullied him in front of teammates and other cricketers from different states. The PBKS all-rounder also claimed that the series of events had pushed him into depression.

“At this moment, I am demoralised, depressed and under pressure. As from last some days and at least from last couple of days, my team captain Mr. Kurnal Pandiya is using abusing language to me in front of my teammates and also other states teams who have come for participation at Reliance stadium Vadodara,” Hooda wrote in the email.

Irfan Pathan

Meanwhile, Deepak Hooda’s decision has disappointed former India cricketer and stalwart of Baroda side Irfan Pathan. The cricketer-turned-commentator took to Twitter to lash out at the BCA.

“How many cricket associations will lose 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!”

Deepak Hooda scored 741 runs in 76 IPL games averaging 17.23 with 3 fifties. He has also picked 9 scalps. Deepak Hooda played 46 first-class games for Baroda, scoring 2908 runs at an average of 43. He also played 68 one-dayers for the state.

Although the KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings side didn’t enjoy a stellar season, Deepak Hooda put up some sensational performance and impressed one and all. He, in total, scored 116 runs in eight games with his strike rate being more than 140. If that’s not enough, he bowled with an impressive economy rate of just over seven.