Deepak Hooda returns to Baroda after five-year feud-driven absence
Synopsis
Five years after walking out of Baroda's bio-bubble and alleging bullying by Krunal Pandya, Deepak Hooda is coming home. The India all-rounder's return — confirmed by BCA CEO Snehal Parikh — is one of Indian domestic cricket's more remarkable reconciliations, and it arrives alongside the appointment of 2011 World Cup winner Munaf Patel as pace bowling coach.
Key Takeaways
Deepak Hooda will play for Baroda again after a five-year absence, confirmed on 3 September .
The rift began during the 2021 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy when Hooda alleged bullying by skipper Krunal Pandya and walked out of the bio-bubble.
Hooda has represented India in 10 ODIs and 21 T20Is , with 4,267 first-class runs at an average of 45.39 , including 14 centuries .
Jitesh Sharma continues as a guest player in white-ball formats; Rasikh Salam plays all formats.
Former India pacer Munaf Patel , part of the 2011 ODI World Cup -winning team, joins as mentor and pace bowling coach.
Batting all-rounder Deepak Hooda is set to represent Baroda again in the ongoing domestic season, ending a five-year estrangement from his home state that began with a high-profile falling-out with then-skipper Krunal Pandya. The reunion, confirmed on 3 September by Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Chief Executive Officer Snehal Parikh, closes one of Indian domestic cricket's most-discussed player-association disputes.
Background: How the Rift Began
The split dates to the eve of Baroda's opening fixture in the 2021 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, when Hooda walked out of the team hotel and bio-bubble. He subsequently alleged verbal abuse and bullying by Krunal Pandya during a practice session. The BCA responded by suspending Hooda for indiscipline, after which he moved to Rajasthan and rebuilt his career from there.
What the BCA Said
'Yes, Deepak is going to play for Baroda again in domestic cricket. He got everything from Baroda and is now back to play for us once again. I would say there were no issues. But if there were issues, I believe they have been sorted now,' Parikh said. He added a personal note: 'The best thing is, our local boy is coming back home. We are very happy for the home coming of our own boy and glad to have him back. He made his Ranji Trophy debut for us and he's the second player after me to score a century in the first game.'
Hooda's Credentials
At 31, Hooda brings considerable pedigree back to the Baroda dressing room. He has represented India in 10 ODIs and 21 T20Is, and has accumulated 4,267 first-class runs at an average of 45.39, including 14 centuries. His T20 tally stands at nearly 3,972 runs, with 3,340 runs in List A cricket. In the IPL, he has turned out for Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Chennai Super Kings. He is also a handy off-spinner, making him a genuine two-dimensional asset.
Other BCA Developments
Parikh confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma will continue as a guest player for Baroda, restricted to white-ball formats, while pacer Rasikh Salam will feature across all formats. New head coach R Prasanna, a former Tamil Nadu batter, is already on the ground with the team at the ongoing KSCA-Dr. (Capt.) K. Thimmappaiah Memorial Tournament.
Munaf Patel Joins Backroom Staff
In a further boost, the BCA is bringing in former India pacer Munaf Patel — a member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad — as mentor and pace bowling coach. Patel most recently served as bowling coach for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 and 2026. His appointment signals the association's intent to invest in fast-bowling development at the state level. With Hooda's return and a revamped support structure, Baroda will be looking to make a stronger impression in the domestic circuit this season.
Point of View
The BCA suspended him for indiscipline, and the truth settled somewhere in between. That the reconciliation is framed as 'no issues' rather than a structured resolution should raise an eyebrow. For Baroda, the cricket case is clear: a 31-year-old India international with 14 first-class centuries is an obvious upgrade. But domestic cricket's recurring player-association feuds will keep happening until associations build credible grievance mechanisms that don't force players to choose between their dignity and their home state.
NationPress
3 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Deepak Hooda leave Baroda in 2021?
Hooda left Baroda after the Baroda Cricket Association suspended him for indiscipline following his walkout from the team hotel and bio-bubble on the eve of the 2021 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He had alleged verbal abuse and bullying by then-captain Krunal Pandya during a practice session.
Who confirmed Deepak Hooda's return to Baroda?
BCA Chief Executive Officer Snehal Parikh confirmed the return on 3 September, stating that any past grievances had been sorted and that Hooda was welcomed back as 'our local boy coming home.'
What is Deepak Hooda's domestic and international record?
Hooda has played 10 ODIs and 21 T20Is for India. In first-class cricket, he has scored 4,267 runs at an average of 45.39 with 14 centuries, alongside nearly 3,972 runs in T20 cricket and 3,340 runs in List A cricket.
Who else is new in the Baroda cricket setup this season?
Former India pacer Munaf Patel, a member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team, is joining as mentor and pace bowling coach. R Prasanna, a former Tamil Nadu batter, has been appointed head coach and is already with the team.
Will Jitesh Sharma and Rasikh Salam continue with Baroda?
Yes. Jitesh Sharma will continue as a guest player but only in white-ball formats, while pacer Rasikh Salam will play across all formats for Baroda this season.
