Imagine a former India captain not being able to find a bidder in the auction. You don’t need to imagine, as it has happened. Deepak Hooda, once India captain, remains unsold in PKL Auction 2024.
A consistent all-rounder who is now not a regular choice for PKL franchises yes that’s correct, Deepak Hooda, the former India captain and PKL winner. The all-rounder, who was part of the Indian team that won the gold medal at the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, will not be seen playing in PKL Season 11.
Hooda has various accolades to his name, from his state team to international play. He bagged gold at the Senior National Level Tournament in Patna in 2014. On the other hand, after making his debut at the 2016 South Asian Games, where his team also won a gold medal, it is surprising to see the unsold tag attached to his name.
Known for his consistent raiding and tackling abilities, Hooda has delivered strong performances in the PKL for several teams. However, it is noteworthy that since Season 8, where he played for Jaipur Pink Panthers, his performance has seen a decline. In Season 10, he experienced his worst performance of his career.
There could be several reasons why he didn’t attract buyers. One potential reason is the high base price, which might have been set too high for some teams given their limited purse of 20 lakh. Additionally, team strategies could have played a role, as teams might have had different priorities for their squads and focused on younger players. Furthermore, Hooda’s form may not have supported his bid. Let’s take a look at his form to understand where he stands now.
Deepak Hooda PKL stats
| Season | Matches Played | Points Scored | Raid Points | Tackle Points | Total Points |
| 2014 | 8 | 35 | 27 | 8 | 35 |
| 2015 | 14 | 100 | 85 | 15 | 100 |
| 2016 | 15 | 131 | 104 | 27 | 131 |
| 2017 | 16 | 132 | 105 | 27 | 132 |
| 2018 | 15 | 93 | 74 | 19 | 93 |
| 2019 | 12 | 77 | 64 | 13 | 77 |
| 2020 | 8 | 55 | 44 | 11 | 55 |
| 2021 | 17 | 120 | 117 | 3 | 120 |
| 2022 | 17 | 56 | 47 | 9 | 56 |
Editors pick
