Introduction
In the high-stakes world of Indian cricket, where talent often battles bureaucracy and politics, Deepak Hooda’s story stands out as a testament to unyielding determination. The Haryana all-rounder, known for his explosive batting and handy off-spin, has weathered controversies, team switches, and public scrutiny to emerge as India’s utility player. This blog dives into Hooda’s net worth, career highs and lows, IPL evolution, personal struggles, and future ambitions, blending raw data with a narrative of resilience.
Early Life: Roots in Rohtak’s Cricketing Soil
Birth and Family
Born on April 19, 1995, in Rohtak, Haryana, Hooda grew up in a middle-class family. His father, Rajender Singh Hooda, a government employee, and mother, Sunita Hooda, a homemaker, prioritized education but soon recognized their son’s cricketing obsession.
The Making of a Fighter
At 10, Hooda would cycle 12 km daily to practice at Rohtak’s Chaudhary Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium. Coach Ashwani Kumar recalls, “Deepak had a rare combo: a batter’s flair and a bowler’s grit.” Despite financial constraints, he juggled studies (B.Com from MDU, Rohtak) and cricket, often sleeping at the stadium to save time.
Domestic Career: The Rollercoaster Ride
Early Promise and Baroda Stint
- 2014–15 Ranji Trophy: Debuted for Baroda at 19, scoring 293 runs and taking 10 wickets.
- 2016–17 Season: Captained Baroda to Vijay Hazare Trophy semifinals, scoring 472 runs at 98.16 SR.
Controversy and Exodus
In 2020, Hooda publicly accused Baroda captain Krunal Pandya of bullying, leading to his suspension and eventual move to Rajasthan. The incident became a turning point, testing his mental fortitude.
Redemption with Rajasthan
- 2021–22 Ranji Trophy: Scored 571 runs and took 14 wickets, reviving his career.
- 2023–24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Smashed 327 runs at 162.68 SR, earning an India recall.
Domestic Stats (As of July 2024)
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Wickets | High Score | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranji Trophy | 52 | 3,127 | 47 | 199 | 5/42 |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy | 46 | 1,845 | 29 | 148* | 4/36 |
| Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | 58 | 1,672 | 38 | 101* | 3/14 |
IPL Journey: The Nomadic Warrior
Early Struggles (2015–2019)
- 2015: Debuted for Rajasthan Royals (RR) but played just 2 games.
- 2016–2019: Moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), warming the bench for four seasons.
Breakthrough with Punjab Kings (2020–2021)
- 2020: Scored 151 runs at 158.94 SR, including a 25-ball 62* vs RR.
- 2021: Became PBKS’s floater, scoring 244 runs and taking 5 wickets.
LSG’s Trust (2022–2024)
- 2022: Bought by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹5.75 crore; scored 451 runs, including a 57-ball 104 vs RR.
- 2024: Adapted to a finisher role, scoring 327 runs at 144.69 SR. Retained for ₹5.75 crore; IPL 2025 salary projected at ₹7–8 crore.
IPL Career Stats (2015–2024)
| Season | Team | Matches | Runs | Strike Rate | Wickets | High Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Punjab Kings | 12 | 151 | 158.94 | 1 | 62* |
| 2022 | Lucknow Super Giants | 15 | 451 | 136.66 | 0 | 104 |
| 2024 | Lucknow Super Giants | 14 | 327 | 144.69 | 3 | 75* |
International Career: The Stop-Start Saga
Debut and Setbacks
- 2022 T20I Debut: Scored 26* vs West Indies but faced yo-yo selection.
- 2022 Asia Cup: Dropped after 2 games despite a 16-ball 33 vs Pakistan.
2023 Resurgence
- T20I Series vs Sri Lanka: Player of the Series with 172 runs at 172.00 SR.
- 2024 T20 World Cup: Played 3 games as a backup, scoring 41* vs Ireland.
International Stats (As of July 2024)
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 21 | 454 | 32.42 | 142.13 | 4 |
| ODI | 10 | 157 | 22.42 | 97.51 | 2 |
Net Worth Breakdown (2024)
Hooda’s net worth is estimated at ₹18 crore ($2.2 million), fueled by IPL contracts and endorsements.
| Source | Earnings (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|
| IPL Salary (2015–2024) | 14.5 |
| Domestic Cricket | 2.5 |
| Endorsements (Annual) | 1.5–2 |
| Investments (Real Estate, Gym Chain) | 3.5 |
| Coaching Clinics | 0.5 |
Endorsements and Brand Value
Hooda’s grassroots appeal attracts regional brands:
- Ambuja Cements: ₹80 lakh/year (2023–25) – “Build Strong” campaign.
- SG Cricket: Bat sponsorship deal worth ₹50 lakh/year.
- Haryana Tourism: Brand ambassador for “Heartland Haryana” (₹30 lakh/year).
- JSW Sports: Fitness gear collaborations (₹20 lakh/year).
Personal Life: The Quiet Fighter
- Family First: Credits his sister, Pooja Hooda, a national-level shooter, for mental strength.
- Philanthropy: Runs free cricket camps in Rohtak; donated ₹15 lakh for Haryana flood relief (2023).
- Hobbies: Marathon runner; completed the 2023 Delhi Half Marathon in 1h 48m.
Future Prospects: The Road Ahead
- Leadership: Eyeing LSG’s vice-captaincy role in IPL 2025.
- Test Cricket: Working on red-ball skills to replace Hanuma Vihari in India’s squad.
- Business: Plans to launch a sports nutrition brand by 2026.
Conclusion
Deepak Hooda’s journey—from a Rohtak boy fighting for nets to an IPL mainstay—is a masterclass in perseverance. With a net worth of ₹18 crore and a game that thrives under pressure, he embodies the spirit of India’s unsung cricketing heroes. As IPL 2025 approaches, Hooda isn’t just chasing runs; he’s rewriting his legacy, one resilient inning at a time.
