Hooda Remains on Suspect Bowling List Before IPL Auction
Deepak Hooda continues to be listed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India on its suspect bowling action register ahead of the upcoming IPL auction, raising questions over his role as an all-round option. The development comes at a time when franchises are finalising strategies for the auction, where clarity on a player’s skill set is crucial.
Limited Bowling in Recent Cricket
Hooda, who bowls part-time off-spin, has barely bowled in competitive matches over the past season. During the most recent IPL, he featured primarily as a batter and did not bowl in any of his appearances. His bowling workload in domestic cricket has also been minimal, with only a handful of overs bowled across tournaments. This limited exposure has kept his action under scrutiny rather than allowing it to be cleared through sustained match bowling.
Auction Impact and Player Status
Under current regulations, Hooda is allowed to bowl unless his action is reported again during official competition. However, a fresh report could lead to restrictions until he undergoes biomechanical testing and clearance. This uncertainty may affect how franchises assess his value at the auction, particularly for teams seeking dependable bowling depth from their all-rounders.
Hooda has represented India in both One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals and remains a proven middle-order batter. His inclusion on the suspect bowling list, however, adds an element of risk that teams will factor in while bidding.
