'You have to move on and patch up,' Hooda opens up on Krunal, his intention to return to Baroda

Things took a big turn between Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya last year when the two Baroda teammates were reported to be involved in a spat ahead of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2020-21 in Vadodara. Hooda alleged that the Baroda skipper was trying to pull him down in front of his teammates, threatening him that he would not play for Baroda ever again. He immediately left the team's bio-bubble, which led to his suspension from the entire domestic season.  

The 27-year-old was picked by the Lucknow franchise alongside Krunal Pandya in the mega auction ahead of IPL 2022. Hooda opened up on meeting Krunal for the first time since that incident, his recent chat with Sportstar saying "there was no animosity". 

"In a family, differences happen but then you eventually patch up. So was the case with us. We had differences in the past, but this time, when I met Krunal for the first time before the tournament, we behaved normally and there was no animosity. Maybe, something had happened at the spark of the moment, but then, you have to move on and patch up. We did that and even Krunal was very courteous. It was a great thing," Hooda said. 

The former Baroda all-rounder further reflected on his decision to play for Rajasthan in the domestic circuit and decided that he would not return to Baroda. 

Baroda Cricket Association, who handed a ban on Deepak Hooda following that incident with Krunal Pandya, are trying to bring back the all-rounder and represent Baroda in the forthcoming domestic season. 

"There have been requests from the BCA that I should return. But I am not leaving Rajasthan and will continue playing for them. It was the Rajasthan Cricket Association who stood by me when I needed it. They gave me the platform to return to action and I want to serve the team. I am not the one who would forget those people who stood beside me in tough times," the LSG all-rounder told Sportstar. 

Since he started playing for Rajasthan, things have taken a big swing in Hooda's career. The Rohtak born had a tremendous domestic season with Rajasthan, earning him his maiden national call-up. Hooda made his international debut against West Indies in February this year. Later he was roped in by Lucknow SuperGiants for 5.75 crores. The Indian all-rounder has had his best IPL, scoring 451 runs, and was a major reason behind LSG's top four finish. 

"This has been a good year for me and I am really looking forward to keeping the momentum going. This tournament has taught me a lot. It was a learning experience for sure, playing for a new team with new responsibilities," Hooda added.