'Got what he deserves' - Twitter reacts as Deepak Hooda bags INR 5.75 crore deal with Lucknow Super Giants

Indian all-rounder Deepak Hooda, who recently made his international debut in the ODI series against West Indies, has been picked by the Lucknow Super Giants for INR 5.75 crore in the IPL 2022 mega auction. Hooda had set a base price of INR 75 lakh ahead of the mega auction and an intense battle had to undergo between six franchises including Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, Sunrisers Hyderabad.

He had a brilliant Syed Mushtaq Ali 2022 season, with 294 runs in six games at an average of 73.50 and had a strike rate of 168 as well. He finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament and his impressive stint earned him a call up to the Indian side. He played the finisher role for the Punjab Kings in the previous IPL season and can roll his arm around when needed as well which makes him a strong all-round option.

Hooda is one of the quickest fielders going around as well and he finished with 160 runs in 12 games last season after coming in at crucial stages of the game. The 26-year-old has overall played 80 IPL games so far and is yet to have a breakout season as he has been in-and-out of franchises. He has played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Rajasthan Royals in the past and will be a huge addition in the middle order for the new franchise.

Deepak Hooda to rejoin with his former IPL skipper

Hooda will be joining the hands with KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, and Ravi Bishnoi, who were all retained ahead of the mega auctions by the Lucknow Super Giants. The franchise bought in the services of West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder who has been in great form of late. Holder can play a crucial role in the middle order with his finishing abilities and recently picked a T20i hattrick as well.

Quinton de Kock has been another excellent pick for the Lucknow Super Giants side and the franchise have now solved a lot of issues in terms of wicketkeeping and captaincy. De Kock was bought for INR 6.75 crore and his availability for the entire tournament is an added plus as well. Lucknow has strengthened their Indian contingent by bringing in Manish Pandey as well for INR 4.6 crore.

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Here’s how Twitter reacted to it: