The story of the infamous fight between Krunal Pandya and Deepak Hooda during the latter's stint with the Baroda cricket team is one of the most notorious incidents in India's domestic circuit.
There was a lot of talk regarding the signing of the two players for the same franchise considering their strained relationship. However, it seems like the two have decided to mend things, and it has been a smooth sailing ship at the Lucknow camp, thus far.
Deepak Hooda complained that Krunal threatened ensured that he didn't play for Baroda again during last year's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Hooda left the Baroda side after the rift and represented Rajasthan in domestic cricket.
But in his recent interview with Dainik Jagran, Hooda has stated that he admires Krunal and thinks of him as his elder brother. This statement from the dynamic young player has undoubtedly put an end to the talks related to his jagged off-field relationship with the former Mumbai Indians cricketer.
"Krunal Pandya is my brother, and brothers do fight", Hooda said in an interview addressing 'Dainik Jagran'. "We are playing with one aim, which is to win games for LSG", the Rohtak-born allrounder added.
When enquired about how he reacted after knowing that he would share the dressing room with the senior Pandya, Hooda said they met just like other players in the hotel. At the moment, they are good teammates with a common goal of winning the championship for the Lucknow Super Giants.
"I was not watching the IPL auction. We met just like the other players at the team hotel. Whatever happened is in the past, and as I said, we both are playing for the same team, and our goals are the same, " the dashing right-handed batsman concluded.
Both Krunal and Hooda have been impressive for the KL Rahul-led team in the ongoing IPL. While Hooda played two sensational knocks of 51 and 55 against SRH and GT, respectively, Krunal picked three wickets at a surreal economy of 5.5 in the two games.
Currently, at the 5th position with two victories from 3 games, LSG will be up against DC in their 4th match this Thursday.