Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya were involved in a massive controversy while playing for Baroda during India’s 2020-21 domestic season.
Lucknow Super Giants’ Krunal Pandya and Deepak Hooda share a hug (Courtesy: BCCI/PTI)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Krunal Pandya and Deepak Hooda were involved in a controversy while playing for Baroda in 2021
- Krunal Pandya and Deepak Hooda are playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022
- Deepak Hooda expressed his desire of playing for India in the World Cup
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) all-rounder Deepak Hooda has opened up about his relationship with Krunal Pandya while playing in the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL). Back in 2021, the duo was reported to be at loggerheads during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Hooda had accused Pandya of using abusive language and threatening to end his career.
Back in 2021, the duo was reported to be at loggerheads during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Hooda had accused Pandya of using abusive language and threatening to end his career.
Thereafter, the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) had handed Hooda a suspension. But having played together for the Super Giants in the IPL, Hooda and Pandya seemed to have resolved their personal issues. Speaking about their relationship, Hooda referred to Pandya as his “brother”.
“Krunal and I are brothers and brothers do fight. You may also have differences. We are a team and are playing with one aim,” Hooda was quoted as saying in Dainik Jagaran.
Deepak Hooda dreams of playing in the World Cup
Hooda has been in impressive form with the bat, having scored 119 runs in his first three games in IPL 2022 at a strike rate of 145.12. Earlier this year, Hooda made his debut for India in the home series against the West Indies. The 26-year-old has set his goal clear of representing the Men in Blue in the World Cup.
“Just like everyone, even my dream is to represent India at the World Cup. However, my job is to deliver good performances and leave the rest for the selectors to decide,” he said.
Hooda also said that making a shift from the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the Super Giants hasn’t made much of a difference since he’s played under KL Rahul at both franchises.
“I spoke to LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir while I was pondering over joining a new franchise. KL Rahul was my captain in Punjab Kings as well, so in a way it didn’t make much of a difference for me,” Hooda added.