Five years after Krunal Pandya row, Deepak Hooda set to play for Baroda

Hooda to Return to Baroda, Five Years After the Krunal Pandya Row 🏏

Great news for the Baroda faithful! Deepak Hooda is all set to reclaim his home soil and play for Baroda again, five years after that ugly chapter. BCA CEO Snehal Parikh confirmed the reconciliation, revealing that Hooda and Krunal Pandya have personally spoken and "all issues are sorted."

For those who remember, the batting AR walked out of the team hotel before Baroda's first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match in Jan 2021. He alleged Krunal's "bad behaviour," abusive language, and "bullying" had left him depressed and demoralised. He was then banned for the 2020-21 season by the BCA for "indiscipline," and went on to join Rajasthan as a pro for 2021-22. Now, after half a decade, the wounds seem to be healing.

Let's talk numbers — the 31-year-old is a genuine allrounder. In 67 FC matches: 4,267 runs @ 45.39 (14 tons, 18 ffs, top score 293*) + 29 wickets. His 230 T20s brought 3,972 runs @ 24.67. Across the international limited-overs setup, he has 10 ODIs (153 runs) and 21 T20Is (368 runs + 6 wickets), though his last India appearance was against NZ back on Feb 1, 2023.

Bonus: WK-batter Jitesh Sharma stays with Baroda too, but as a guest player — restricted to the whiteball formats only.

A story of pride, fallout, and eventual truce. What do you all think — is Hooda back in the Indian setup after this return? 🤔

Source: Times of India