The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) CEO, Snehal Parikh, confirmed on Thursday that the 31-year-old is officially back in the fold. Crucially, the association has indicated that the personal tensions that previously marred the relationship between Hooda and team captain
A fresh start for the veteran all-rounder
The return marks the end of a turbulent period that began in January 2021. At that time, Hooda made headlines when he departed the team hotel ahead of a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy fixture, citing issues with the team leadership. He alleged that Krunal Pandya’s conduct, including the use of abusive language and what he described as bullying, had left him feeling demoralized and under significant pressure. The incident resulted in the BCA imposing a ban on the player for the 2020-21 season, prompting his subsequent move to Rajasthan as a professional for the 2021-22 campaign.
With the reconciliation now confirmed, the BCA is looking forward to integrating the experienced campaigner back into their domestic setup. Parikh stated that all outstanding issues between the association and the player have been settled, clearing the path for his return to the side he represented for the majority of his career.
Statistical impact and squad updates
Hooda brings a wealth of experience to the Baroda dressing room. Across 67 first-class matches, he has accumulated 4,267 runs at an average of 45.39, including 14 centuries and a career-best score of 293 not out. His utility as an all-rounder is further evidenced by his 29 first-class wickets. In the white-ball formats, he has been equally prolific, having featured in 109 List A matches and 230 T20 encounters, where he has notched up two centuries.
On the international stage, the right-hander has represented India in 10 ODIs and 21 T20Is, with his most recent appearance coming in a T20I against New Zealand in February 2023. While his return bolsters the squad, the BCA also confirmed that wicket-keeper-batter Jitesh Sharma will remain with the team as a guest player, specifically for white-ball competitions.
