After a five-year hiatus sparked by a high-profile dispute with team captain Krunal Pandya, Deepak Hooda is primed to make his return to Baroda for the upcoming 2026-27 domestic calendar. The 31-year-old all-rounder parted ways with his home state in early 2021 and spent the subsequent seasons competing for Rajasthan across formats. While his comeback is locked in, his specific availability across different competitions this season remains to be finalized.
Deepak Hooda sorts it out with Krunal Pandya, to make Baroda return
The initial fracture occurred on the eve of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in January 2021, when Hooda abruptly left the team hotel following an altercation. He publicly accused Krunal of abusive behavior and intimidation, leading the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) to issue a season-long suspension against Hooda for misconduct.
Baroda Cricket Association CEO confirms Deepak-Krunal's reconciliation
Confirming the reconciliation, BCA Chief Executive Officer Snehal Parikh revealed that the duo has cleared the air ahead of Hooda's homecoming, stating that the pair held direct discussions and successfully resolved their past differences.
"Yes, Deepak is coming back to Baroda. He and Krunal (Pandya) have spoken to each other. Everything is sorted between them," Snehal Parikh, Baroda Cricket Association CEO, told TOI.
In tandem with Hooda's homecoming, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma will continue his association with Baroda as a guest player, though his role remains strictly confined to white-ball assignments.
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Hooda’s exit in 2021 marked one of domestic cricket’s most widely discussed controversies. The fallout intensified when the state association opted to suspend the all-rounder for indiscipline rather than address his allegations of mistreatment by the captain. Seeking a fresh start, Hooda aligned with Rajasthan from the 2021–22 season onward, producing consistent runs across formats. His decision to return effectively puts an end to a half-decade-long standoff.
Statistically, Baroda regains a proven performer with extensive experience across domestic, IPL, and international circuits. In first-class cricket, the 31-year-old boasts 4,267 runs at an average of 45.39 over 67 matches, featuring 14 centuries—highlighted by an unbeaten 293, alongside 29 red-ball wickets. His List A numbers stand at 3,340 runs and 42 wickets in 109 outings, complemented by nearly 4,000 runs in T20s. On the international stage, the former India regular has featured in 10 ODIs and 21 T20Is, with his last national appearance coming against New Zealand in early 2023.