Deepak Hooda Quits Baroda; Set To Represent Rajasthan In The Next Domestic Season
Updated - 15 Jul 2021, 05:29 PM
Punjab Kings all-rounder Deepak Hooda has decided to part ways with his state team Baroda ahead of the 2021/22 domestic season, which will see the right-handed batter feature for Rajasthan.
According to a report published in Sportstar, Deepak Hooda has already obtained the ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Baroda Cricket Association.
During a conversion with Sportstar, Hooda said that while it is a sad feeling for him to leave Baroda, he feels that it is the right decision as far as his future is concerned.
‘’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,” said Deepak Hooda as quoted by Sporstar.
Deepak Hooda was suspended by Baroda Cricket Association last season following an ugly face-off with Krunal Pandya
In a letter addressed to the Baroda Cricket Association, Hooda had made some damning allegations against Krunal Pandya. He had claimed that not only had Pandya abused him but the Mumbai Indians all-rounders had also bullied him in front of his teammates and other state team members.
Hooda had also claimed that the series of events had pushed him into depression
‘’At this moment, I am demoralized, 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,” Deepak Hooda wrote in the email.
Meanwhile, former Baroda cricketer Irfan Pathan has lashed out at the state association for its inept handling of the matter that forced Deepak Hooda to quit his home team.
‘’How many cricket associations will lose out on a player who is in the Indian team probable 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!” wrote Irfan Pathan on Twitter.
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!
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 15, 2021
Speaking about his domestic numbers, the 26-year-old Deepak Hooda has represented Baroda in 46 First-Class, 68 List-A, and 131 T20 games, scoring 2908, 2059, and 1834 runs respectively besides claiming a total of 71 wickets and scoring 13 tons across formats.
