Deepak Hooda: IPL Journey and Rising Star of Indian Cricket

Deepak Hooda is a dynamic Indian cricketer, celebrated for his aggressive batting, sharp offbreak bowling, and exceptional fielding skills. His journey through the Indian Premier League (IPL) highlights his growth into a dependable all-rounder.

Deepak Hooda’s Early IPL Breakthrough

Hooda made his IPL debut in 2015 with Rajasthan Royals. In just his second innings, he smashed 54 runs off 25 balls, helping the Royals chase a stiff target of 185 in Delhi. This explosive start earned him the nickname “Hurricane Hooda.”

Successful Stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad

In the 2016 IPL season, Hooda played vital cameos with the bat, contributing to Sunrisers Hyderabad’s successful title-winning campaign. His powerful performances secured him a contract worth INR 4.2 crore (approximately USD 622,000) at the following auction. Hooda remained with SRH until 2019, establishing himself as a reliable middle-order batter and a handy off-spinner.

Lucknow Super Giants and Breakout Season

After a brief hiatus, Hooda joined the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2022. Under Krunal Pandya’s captaincy, he had a breakout season, playing a crucial role in the team’s middle order. He patched up differences with Pandya, showcasing maturity and focus on the field. His brilliant form continued as he scored his maiden T20I century against Ireland at Malahide, achieving the milestone in just his third international innings.

Latest Move to Chennai Super Kings

For IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured Hooda’s services for INR 1.70 crore. With CSK’s reputation for nurturing talents, Hooda is expected to add immense value with his explosive batting, strategic bowling, and electric fielding.

Domestic Cricket Career and Challenges

Besides his T20 exploits, Hooda has shown a strong temperament in longer formats. As Baroda’s captain during the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season, he scored three consecutive centuries, including a mammoth unbeaten 293 against Punjab. However, his domestic career faced turbulence in 2021 when Baroda suspended him after a fallout with then-captain Krunal Pandya. Hooda later moved to Rajasthan and revived his career impressively.

Conclusion

Deepak Hooda continues to be a promising figure in Indian cricket. His versatile skill set, adaptability across formats, and resilience through career challenges make him an asset to any team. As he enters a new chapter with CSK, fans eagerly await more “Hurricane Hooda” moments in the upcoming IPL seasons.