Deepak Hooda may have been suspended by the Baroda Cricket Association for the Indian domestic cricket season 2020-21, but there is no stopping the big-hitting talent as he took the IPL platform on Monday to show what his state team missed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 25-year-old was suspended for the season by Baroda cricket body after he had a spat with state team captain Krunal Pandya in January which meant he couldn't play the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20s as well as the Vijay Hazare one-dayers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, it did not have any bearing on his form or confidence with the bat and on Monday night showed what Baroda had missed during the season by suspending him.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The right-handed Hooda, who had smashed a 30-ball unbeaten 62 against Chennai Super Kings in the last competitive game he played before this IPL, back on November 1, 2020, scored a 28-ball 64 (6x6s and 4x4s) on Monday to help Punjab Kings score 221\/6 in 20 overs against Rajasthan Royals on Monday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I was just reacting to the ball and showing aggressive intent in my batting. I got this role at No. 4 and I am happy to get this role, as I bat at this position in domestic cricket," said Hooda who was pushed up the order and sent ahead of Nicholas Pooran.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former Baroda teammate and India fast bowler Irfan Pathan commended his mental strength and tweeted:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n#Blessed<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/9q9s7Lhi7U<\/a><\/p>\r\n— Deepak Hooda (@HoodaOnFire) April 12, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n