While the PBKS skipper praised his batsmen he did add that the bowlers were a bit inconsistent with their lengths and needed to pull up their socks.
Hooda returned with a blistering 64 off 28 balls, laced with four boundaries and six maximums, perfectly complementing Rahul's knock of 91 off 50 balls as the two stitched a sensational 105-run stand in 46 balls.
The 25-year-old was suspended for the season by Baroda cricket body after he had a spat with state team captain Krunal Pandya in January.
Overs 13 and 14 bowled by Shivam Dube and Shreyas Gopal went for 20 each and saw six sixes, five of those coming of Hooda's bat.
The decision to suspend Hooda was taken during the Apex Council meeting of the BCA which was held on Thursday evening.
Pathan has extended his support to all-rounder Deepak Hooda after the latter stormed out of Baroda camp, alleging misbehaviour by captain Krunal Pandya.
Pathan, who was part of the 2007 T20 World Cup-winning team, spoke about young players being overlooked by BCA despite performing in recent years.
Hooda, who has played 46 first-class matches, was miffed at the behaviour of Pandya, who has represented India, and sent an e-mail to the cricket body.
The association also named Prabhakar Bairgond as its head coach after Dav Whatmore, who was initially appointed, was not able to take up the assignment.
The improving standards of other countries in comparison with India could be seen during the 2018 Asian Games.
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