Flop CSK Batsman Makes Statement with Double-Century Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

Discarded India batter Deepak Hooda has made a strong comeback with the bat in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26. The right-hander set the stage on fire in the ongoing game between Rajasthan and Mumbai, underway at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Deepak Hooda, who had a terrible time with the bat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 while playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has sent a strong message to the franchises ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Various reports have claimed that following his poor show in the league, CSK are all set to release him.

Deepak Hooda Plays Statement Knock Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

In the Ranji Trophy clash against a high-quality Mumbai side, he played a sensational innings. The right-hander, while batting at No. 4, slammed a staggering double century. After his team lost two wickets inside 40 overs, he took the onus on himself and played a blinder.

Deepak Hooda first hit a sensational century and then made sure that he converted that into a double. He played a brilliant knock of 248 runs off 335 balls with the help of 22 boundaries and 2 sixes. His heroics with the bat helped Rajasthan take a lead in the first innings and end with 617 runs.

This innings would’ve gone under the notice of many franchises who would be keen to form a strong team in the IPL 2026 auction. Hoods, having proved his worth with the bat again and again, would be under the radar of some of the best teams in IPL.

Coming to the match between Mumbai and Rajasthan, the home side has taken command of the game. Earlier, Mumbai had a decent outing with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (67) and Musheer Khan (47) playing valuable hands at the top.

Having some of the best batsmen in India didn't help as Mumbai failed to go past the 32-run mark. For Rajasthan, Kukna Ajay Singh picked four wickets, while Ashok Sharma bagged three wickets as Mumbai folded up for 254.

Deepak Hooda’s Below-Par IPL Season for CSK

Deepak Hooda had a poor time in the IPL 2025 season. Ahead of the league, he was expected to play a great role for CSK. However, that wasn’t the case as he was amongst the biggest disappointments, scoring only 31 runs in seven matches. For his poor performances, he was even dropped from the side.

Hooda, who was signed by CSK in IPL 2025 for INR 1.70 crore, has been in a staggering form in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26. The batter has scored two centuries in three games so far and would be keen to carry on his good form and make it a big season.

The IPL auction is expected to take place in December. As per the reports, the event will take place overseas. It will be a mini auction with some of the big players set to go under the hammer. Deepak Hooda Ranji Trophy knock will help him stake a claim in IPL 2026.