Deepak Hooda could come back with Baroda Cricket after five years in the wilderness to end one of the most talked-about episodes in Indian domestic cricket. The all-round batsman of the former team is expected to return to his former side after spending the last five years with Rajasthan. His return is also expected to come just after some of his longstanding disputes with former Baroda captain Krunal Pandya seem to have been settled.
Hooda's departure from Baroda was part and parcel of the dispute during the 2020-21 domestic season. The all-rounder had been suspended by the Baroda Cricket Association for indiscipline. He left the side and went to Rajasthan for the 2021-22 season. His exit also came after a public dispute with Krunal Pandya, who was the captain of Baroda at the time.
Hooda left the team's hotel before the start of the tournament and subsequently said Pandya’s behaviour was wrong. He claimed Baroda’s previous captain had used abusive language and bullied him and that the situation had left him depressed, demoralised and under pressure.
Hooda moved away from Baroda cricket and after that he represented Rajasthan and continued his domestic career slowly but surely as the controversy died down. Now that he is able to return, it is clear the relationship between the player and his former team has changed drastically.
Hooda and Pandya have spoken to each other and resolved their differences, Baroda Cricket Association CEO Snehal Parikh said Sunday. The development removes one hurdle that would have inhibited Hooda from re-entering the Baroda setup.
Hooda and Pandya are limited-overs cricketers and one can see that both players are in need of a reunion. The history of their arguments over the past has attracted a lot of attention in Indian domestic cricket but their decision to put it behind them will allow both players to concentrate on their performance on the field.
Hooda’s return would also bring Baroda an experienced all-rounder for their batsmen. He has a good record in List A cricket with 3,340 runs in 109 matches at an average of 38.83, with six centuries and 17 half-centuries and a best score of 104.
His ability to contribute with the ball adds another dimension to his value as a domestic cricketer. Hooda has taken 42 List A wickets at an average of 29.92 and has the best bowling of 5/55. His off-spin can therefore give Baroda an additional bowling option alongside his batting duties.
For Baroda, Hooda's return would help to strengthen the team's limited-overs capabilities and add depth and experience to its squad. If the move is made, the all-rounder's association with the game and local cricket environment can also help him settle down quickly.
Hooda’s five years with Rajasthan has given him another chapter in his domestic career. Returning to Baroda would be a significant full-circle moment, especially considering his departure in 2021.
And the Baroda Cricket Association has been able to grow its cricketing team and structure. The association has also appointed former India fast bowler Munaf Patel as pace bowler coach and mentor of its academy in Vadodara. A great fast bowler with much international and domestic experience, Patel will help develop the young fast bowlers in the region.
So Hooda’s return could be a part of Baroda’s broader agenda to boost its cricketing program and bring in experienced players. The reunion with Krunal Pandya will be one of the most closely watched aspects of the development.
If Hooda returns to Baroda on the official level, it will mark the end of a five-year period away from the state team and also a chance to wipe out the controversy of 2021. He will be an important player for Baroda in the upcoming season with his batting numbers, bowling talent and domestic knowledge.
Hooda and Pandya have resolved their differences in the meantime, and the biggest hurdle to the move is now gone. The next step is to have Hooda's return and to be in Baroda's team. If confirmed, his comeback may become one of the most popular stories of India's domestic cricket season.
