I am demoralised, depressed and under pressure, says Deepak Hooda; BCA set to investigate his brawl with Krunal Pandya

The Baroda team was rocked ahead of the Mushtaq Ali Trophy after a tiff between their captain and vice-captain led to the latter withdrawing himself from the whole tournament. Deepak Hooda has said that he will take no further part in the tournament this year.

Hooda had written a letter to the Baroda Cricket Association stating that skipper Krunal Pandya had used abusive language at him in front of all his teammates and even the other state teams that had turned up for practice at the Reliance Stadium. He further stated that he is depressed and demoralized as well.

“At this moment, I am demoralized, depressed, and under pressure. As from last some days, my team captain Mr Krunal Pandya is using abusive language to me in front of my teammates and also other state teams who have come for participation at Reliance Stadium Vadodara,” read Hooda’s letter.

Deepak Hooda has also stated that he was practicing in the nets and was getting prepared with the permission of the Head Coach, Mr. Prabhakar. He further alleged that it was at this time that Krunal Pandya ‘misbehaved’ with him. “Today I was practicing in nets and doing my preparation for tomorrow’s game with the permission of head coach Mr Prabhakar. Then Krunal came in nets (and) started misbehaving with me,” said a disturbed Hooda.

BCA Secretary waiting for team manager’s report

Meanwhile, Ajit Lele, the secretary of the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) stated that the Board is waiting for the manager’s report regarding the matter. “We are awaiting for the manager’s report,” said Lele according to the Times of India The Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament will be held across Bengaluru, Indore, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Vadodara. The Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad will host all the knockout games of the tournament.

The last time Baroda won the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament was way back in the 2013-14 season. The side will be looking to win their third title in the year 2021. However, it surely does not augur well for them when their experienced player and vice-captain has walked away side just hours before the tournament got underway. Meanwhile, skipper Krunal Pandya has not yet offered his version of the matter.