Deepak Hooda ends rift with Krunal Pandya to rejoin Baroda

Deepak Hooda is set to return to Baroda for the 2026-27 domestic season, ending a five-year absence that began with a very public falling-out involving Krunal Pandya. The 31-year-old all-rounder left Baroda in early 2021 and has since represented Rajasthan across all domestic formats. The exact schedule for Hooda's appearances in the 2026-27 season has not yet been confirmed.

The dispute came to a head on the eve of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in January 2021. Hooda walked out of the Baroda team hotel, publicly alleging bad behaviour, abusive language and bullying by Krunal, the skipper of the side. The BCA responded by banning Hooda for the 2020-21 season on grounds of indiscipline.

"Yes, Deepak is coming back to Baroda. He and Krunal (Pandya) have spoken to each other. Everything is sorted between them," Baroda Cricket Association CEO Snehal Parikh confirmed to TOI.

Separately, Jitesh Sharma is set to remain available to Baroda as a guest player, though his participation is limited to white-ball cricket only.

What caused Hooda's departure from Baroda in 2021?

The episode between Hooda and Pandya attracted considerable attention within Indian domestic cricket. Hooda's allegations were serious, and the BCA's decision to impose a ban rather than publicly address the underlying claims added to the controversy. Following the ban, Hooda moved to Rajasthan and represented that association from the 2021-22 domestic season onwards. His return to Baroda closes a chapter that had remained unresolved for five years.

What does Hooda's record show ahead of his Baroda return?

Hooda brings a substantial body of domestic and international experience back to Baroda. Across 67 first-class matches, he has accumulated 4,267 runs at an average of 45.39, with 14 centuries, 18 half-centuries and a highest score of 293 not out. His bowling in the format has yielded 29 wickets at 41.44, with a best return of 5/31.

In 109 List A matches, Hooda has scored 3,340 runs at 38.83, including six centuries and 17 half-centuries, with a highest score of 104. He has also taken 42 wickets in the format at 29.92, with a best of five for 55. Across 230 T20 matches, he has made 3,972 runs at 24.67, with two centuries and a highest score of 108.

At the international level, the all-rounder, who has represented multiple franchises in the Indian Premier League as well, has appeared in 10 ODIs, scoring 153 runs at 25.50 and claiming three wickets at 39.66. In 21 T20Is, he has scored 368 runs at 30.66 and taken six wickets at 12.66. His most recent India appearance came in a T20I against New Zealand on February 1, 2023.