Dynamic all-rounder Deepak Hooda is one of the veterans of the Indian Premier League (IPL), having made his debut in the 2015 season. The 29-year-old last played for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), after they bought him franchise for INR 5.75 crore in the IPL 2022 mega auction.

However, the last two IPL seasons have been disappointing for Hooda. Since his debut, he has only lived up to his potential once: during the 2022 season, when he amassed 451 runs in 15 matches at an average of 32.21.

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This outstanding performance earned him a place in the Indian team, where he also recorded a century. Known for his adaptability, Hooda can contribute as a top-order or middle-order batsman, and his off-spin bowling adds additional value to any T20 lineup. With consistent support and a well-defined role, you have the potential to regain your peak performance.

Given his utility value, the addition of Hooda also provides depth and flexibility to any team he joins. Keeping this in mind, let’s take a look at three franchises that might be willing to bet on the Indian all-rounder in the IPL 2025 auction.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

With a budget of INR 83 crore, RCB comes to the auction with a strong financial position to meet its needs and more. While the RCB management will have multiple objectives to fulfill, one of the most important will undoubtedly be to strengthen the middle-order and all-rounder roles, while ensuring solid backings for vital positions.

With Indian players likely to fill 14-16 spots, RCB is expected to target experienced domestic professionals, which is where a reliable all-round batsman like Deepak Hooda can come in, who can also contribute with the ball.

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

The Rajasthan Royals are where Hooda made his IPL debut and the franchise can feel confident in unlocking his potential once again by bringing him back into the side. RR is known for its innovative strategies and with a focus on building a balanced team, they could see Hooda as a player who can contribute with both bat and ball.

RR could take advantage of Hooda’s skills to strengthen their middle order while also adding an effective part-time option to their bowling attack.

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Gujarat Titans (GT)

The former IPL champions can target Hooda to strengthen their national core for the 2025 season. His all-round ability offers a lot of value to their team.

His ability to bat deep in the match and relatively tight economy with the ball make him a key asset for high-pressure games, especially on the Ahmedabad pitch. GT lacked experienced domestic batsmen in the previous three seasons, and this is where Hooda will come in as a welcome change.

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