Deepak Hooda set to join Rajasthan after quitting Baroda cricket

Baroda Cricket team faced a major blow on Thursday (July 15) with dashing all-rounder Deepak Hooda leaving the state team. Earlier this year, Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) banned Hooda for the entire season for leaving the team’s bio-secure bubble during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The 26-year-old alleged that team captain Krunal Pandya had misbehaved with him and even abused him in front of the teammates.

This prompted Hooda to leave the tournament midway and BCA officials weren’t amused. While Hooda would have been able to feature in the next season, he decided to quit his current team. As per the latest developments, the all-rounder, who plays for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League, is set to represent Rajasthan in the next domestic season.

It is definitely a sad feeling to quit Baroda: Deepak Hooda

Speaking of the decision, Hooda said he made the tough call only after consulting with his close ones. “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.

Notably, the all-rounder has already obtained a No Objection Certificate from the Baroda Cricket Association which makes him eligible to join any other team. Hooda’s inclusion is indeed great for Rajasthan cricket as the youngster has been one of the most prolific all-rounders in the domestic circuit. He can smash the ball a long way and his off-spins are more than handy. He’s also a safe fielder.

Meanwhile, former India and Baroda all-rounder has expressed his disappointment with Hooda leaving his state team.

“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!,” tweeted Pathan.

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

Hooda will next be seen in action when IPL 2021 resumes in September in UAE. He was in impressive form in the first leg of the tournament and Punjab Kings would want him to put up a similar or even better show.