Reconciliation in Baroda: Deepak Hooda Set for Home-Team Return After Five-Year Hiatus

In a significant development for domestic cricket, explosive batting all-rounder Deepak Hooda is officially set to rejoin his home team, Baroda. The move marks a dramatic turnaround, ending a five-year period of separation that began with a highly publicized fallout with team captain Krunal Pandya.

Bridging the Divide

The bitter rift between Hooda and Pandya dominated headlines in January 2021, when Hooda abruptly left the Baroda team hotel on the eve of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. At the time, Hooda alleged that Pandya’s “bad behavior,” use of abusive language, and “bullying” had left him feeling “depressed, demoralized, and under pressure.”

Following the incident, the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) handed Hooda a ban for the 2020-21 season due to “indiscipline.” He subsequently moved to Rajasthan for the 2021-22 domestic season to continue his career.

However, the animosity appears to be a thing of the past. Confirming the reunion, BCA CEO Snehal Parikh stated, “Yes, Deepak is coming back to Baroda. He and Krunal have spoken to each other. Everything is sorted between them.” Parikh further emphasized that all outstanding issues between the BCA and the cricketer have been resolved.

A Decorated Domestic Record

Hooda’s return is expected to be a major boost for the Baroda squad. Across his 67 first-class appearances, the 31-year-old has amassed 4,267 runs at an impressive average of 45.39, including 14 centuries and a career-best score of 293*.

His prowess extends across all formats, with a formidable record in List A cricket—where he has tallied 3,340 runs and six centuries—and T20s, where he has notched up 3,972 runs and two centuries. Hooda’s international experience, which includes 10 ODIs and 21 T20Is for India, also brings a level of maturity and tactical depth to the dressing room. He last donned the Indian jersey in a T20I against New Zealand in February 2023.

Strategic Squad Changes

Alongside the marquee return of Hooda, the BCA has confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma will remain with the team as a guest player. However, Jitesh’s involvement will be limited to white-ball formats, according to Parikh.

As Baroda prepares for the upcoming domestic season, the reconciliation between two of its most prominent players signals a new chapter of stability, one that the team hopes will translate into success on the field.