'Utterly disappointing' - Irfan Pathan expresses dejection as Deepak Hooda leaves Baroda cricket

Uncapped Indian all-rounder Deepak Hooda found himself in hot waters earlier this year following a verbal altercation with Baroda teammate Krunal Pandya during the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy. Hooda alleged that Pandya misbehaved with him and even abused him in front of the teammates. Following this episode, the all-rounder even stepped out of the bio-secure bubble and didn’t participate in the rest of the T20 tournament.

The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) wasn’t amused with Hooda’s action and the all-rounder was subsequently banned for the entire domestic season. While the 26-year-old would have been eligible to represent Baroda in the next season, he has left his state team. The same was mentioned by former India and Baroda all-rounder Irfan Pathan in a tweet. The former pacer expressed his dejection with Baroda losing such a talented cricketer.

Deepak Hooda leaving Baroda cricket is a huge loss: Irfan 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!,” tweeted Irfan 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

It is yet to be known whether Hooda has himself decided to leave his state team or the BCA took the massive decision. In either case, it’s a massive blow for Baroda cricket with Hooda being the cornerstone of the state team lately. The dasher can accumulate runs quickly in crunch overs and his off-spin bowling is more than handy. Not to forget, he is also a safe fielder.

Moreover, he was in great form in the now-postponed Indian Premier League (IPL) where he represented Punjab Kings. Although the KL Rahul-led side didn’t enjoy a stellar season, Hooda put up some sensational performance and impressed one and all. He, in total, scored 116 runs in eight games with his strike rate being more than 140. If that’s not enough, he bowled with an impressive economy rate of just over seven.

Ageing 26, Hooda still has a lot of cricket left in him and one can expect him to join any other team for the next domestic season. Meanwhile, the all-rounder will next be seen in action when IPL 2021 resumes in September in UAE.