Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021: Deepak Hooda faces heat after leaving bio-secure bubble

Baroda’s Deepak Hooda has come under the scanner after he left the bio-secure bubble of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy after an alleged spat with Krunal Pandya. The 25-year-old has been warned by the Baroda Cricket Association for showing indifferent attitude and behaviour.

Shishir Hattangadi, the BCA chief, in an email to Hooda, mentioned that the act of misconduct would be informed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and his IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). And to make things worse, Hooda could also face sanctions.

“Firstly, by walking away from a responsibility of vice-captaincy and leaving the team because of a difference you have sent out a message that you hold yourself above the team and that embodies your attitude and commitment to your team,” Hattangadi told Hooda in an e-mail, reported by Sportstar.

BCA agitated with Deepak Hooda

As per Hattangadi, also a former Mumbai captain, “the BCA will not tolerate any individual who puts himself before the team. I have spoken to both Pandya and the team manager (Dharmendra Arothe) before emailing him.”

Earlier, Pandya stated that he had asked the players to do their fielding routines. However, Hooda insisted that he would bat and that’s when Pandya had to step in to maintain the decorum. As per reports, efforts from the team management to bring sanity didn’t work out as Hooda left the hotel.

In the letter, Hattangadi told that Hooda was trying to gain sympathy by telling his part of the story and he could have settled the matter with the BCA and the team management. For the time being, it remains to be seen whether or not Hooda gets a slap on the wrist.

“There is no team that doesn’t have differences but to walk away and talk to the media giving only your side of the story is a case of seeking unwarranted publicity and putting self before the game. We accept your unavailability and will take necessary action in the best interest of the game, its values and the reputation of the Baroda Cricket Association.”

Despite the chaos, Baroda got off to a decent start, beating Uttarakhand by five runs in their opening game. Skipper Pandya scored 76 off 42 balls and also picked up two crucial wickets.