Irfan Pathan backs Deepak Hooda over alleged abuse by Krunal Pandya
Deepak Hooda had alleged a couple of days back that Baroda skipper, Krunal Pandya, had abused him, leading to the former walking out of the team's commitment in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tie against Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, Irfan Pathan is standing by the former.
FollowFormer Indian seamer, Irfan Pathan has slammed the incident of Baroda vice-captain, Deepak Hooda, being bullied by skipper, Krunal Pandya. The incident happened before Baroda's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash against Uttarakhand on Sunday.
Hooda had alleged that Krunal had abused him during the training in Vadodara. Following the incident, Pathan took to his social media, taking a dig at the incident, as he shared a long post, captioned, "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".
Earlier, following the incident, Hooda had shot a mail to the team management, claiming, "I am demoralised, depressed and under pressure. As from last some days and at least from last couple of days, my team captain Mr Krunal Pandya is using abusing language to me in front of my teammates and also other states teams, who have come for participation at Reliance Stadium, Vadodara."
"I told him [Pandya] that I'm doing my preparation with the permission of head coach [Bairgond]. He told me that 'I'm the captain, who is the head coach. I am the overall of Baroda team.' Then, he stopped my practice showing his dadagiri (bullying)," added Hooda.
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"I [have] never face[d] such a bad behaviour given by a team captain. I'm a team man and I always keep my team above me. Sir, really I got hurt a lot I have a respect in my game. I have values in my life. In view of above facts, I am unable to play and perform my best under circumstances where every time our Baroda team captain [is] poking me and disturbing me in my preparation," Hooda further noted.
Meanwhile, Baroda is against Hooda's act of outburst, as the side contemplates action against him. CEO of Baroda Cricket Association (BCA), Shishir Hattangadi, termed Hooda's actions as 'misconduct'.
"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," said Hattangadi in a mail.
"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," Hattangadi added.
Speaking on the issue to ESPNCricinfo, Hattangadi said, "It wasn't as unpleasant as he [Hooda] made it out to be. It was only a question of following instructions from the captain [Pandya] on certain routines during the practice which he refused to do. After which there was a bit of an argument between the two."
