Rajasthan batter Deepak Hooda produced one of his finest knocks in the Ranji Trophy on Monday, scoring a magnificent 248 against Mumbai, but the celebration was laced with emotion. The India international dedicated his innings to his pet dog, Nonu, who passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness.
“This is for him,” an emotional Hooda told Sportstar after the match. Hooda brought Nonu, a Golden Retriever, home in 2014 when he was just 19 years old. Over the next eleven years, Nonu became an inseparable part of his family. However, the pet’s health had deteriorated in recent months after being diagnosed with a tumour.
“I was just 19 when Nonu came home in Vadodara, and since then, he has been with me through thick and thin, and it was so difficult to see him in so much pain,” Hooda said. “He was like my younger brother, and I can’t believe that he will not be around when I go back home. This innings is dedicated to Nonu as I believe that it was because of his love and power that I could come so far in my career.”
Hooda’s double ton came at a crucial time in the season. After an underwhelming performance last year, the 30-year-old has rediscovered his touch for Rajasthan. He began this Ranji Trophy campaign with a fluent 130 against Chhattisgarh and followed it up with this commanding 248 against Mumbai — one of the toughest domestic opponents.
“But this is my second-best innings,” Hooda reflected, recalling his unbeaten 293 for Baroda against Punjab in 2016. “That was my first stint as a captain, so that innings is always special.”
Hooda’s performance against Mumbai carried additional significance, with national selector Pragyan Ojha present in the stands. The right-hander admitted that his focus remains on an India comeback.
“I prepared well leading up to the season. The ultimate goal is to make a comeback for India, irrespective of the format. My aim is to score runs, and I am doing it. Of course, the competition is intense, but that’s the beauty of Indian cricket, as there is an abundance of talent,” Hooda said.
“When I broke into the team, it had stars like Virat (Kohli) bhai and Rohit (Sharma) bhai. But I still played. Even now, if it’s in my destiny, I will play again for India.”
For Hooda, the 248 may be another milestone in his cricketing journey — but beyond numbers, it was a heartfelt tribute to his beloved Nonu, whose memory continues to inspire him on and off the field.
