'It is indeed shocking and disheartening' - Irfan Pathan opens up on Deepak Hooda-Krunal Pandya brawl

The Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya argument incident has got a lot of sparks recently with the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) saying that it will take strict actions on the matter. Hooda, recently, decided to walk out of the Baroda team right before the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. 

The all-rounder noted that Baroda captain Krunal Pandya had abused him during a training session. According to the reports, Hooda had complained to the BCA before walking out of the team. He also stated that Krunal misbehaved with him. In the same light, former Baroda captain and Indian player, Irfan Pathan decided to give his opinion on the issue. 

No player should be treated like that: Irfan Pathan

Irfan played for Baroda for 17 years before finally moving to Jammu and Kashmir as a player-cum-mentor. In a post, which he uploaded on his Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts, the former cricketer talked about Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya issue. 

Irfan expressed his disappointment over the entire incident and also said if any of it was true, it was inappropriate that Hooda went through that. He also said that it is important that the players feel harmonious while being in the environment with their teams. 

During the difficult times of this pandemic wherein mental health of a player is of utmost importance as they have to stay in a bio-bubble as well as keep themselves focused on the game, such incidents may have adverse effects on a player and should be avoided.#MentalHealth pic.twitter.com/n3V2kKeO4G

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 12, 2021

Irfan Pathan reminds about two young talents who were overlooked by Baroda selectors

But, Pathan took this opportunity to also point out that BCA had dropped two players who had done well in the previous edition of the tournament. Aditya Waghmode, who scored 364 runs in the previous season, which made him the highest run-scorer for his side, was also overlooked by the selectors. Another key all-rounder, Swapnil Singh, who had scored 216 runs and took 10 wickets was also overlooked. The main concern which Pathan was addressing was actually to do with the BCA officials. 

Pathan himself had dealt with some issues when he decided to quit his domestic career with Baroda and went on to sign a contract with Jammu and Kashmir. The post was also a subtle hint on the improvement Irfan would have wanted in the system of Baroda cricket. The player didn’t take a jibe at the officials and it was a great way to remind everyone what is important.