Abu Dhabi: Robin Uthappa’s current form and his hunger for runs could well be a boon for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting on April 16. The 28-yr-old’s recent domestic performance for Karnataka, which saw them complete a unique milestone of hat-trick of titles, is a clear indication that he is back on the comeback trail.
The aggressive batsman, who also keeps wickets, was at the KKR training session at the Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium and minced no words in saying that he was raring to regain his place in the national squad by piling up runs.
Following are the excerpts from a conversation:
Gulf News: You had a good domestic season. Do you think it will be enough to get back into the team?
Robin Uthappa: It is about putting runs at the right time and if you can contribute with the bat, then you always are in the reckoning. I’m very happy that I have been able to contribute to Karnataka. And I’m not that old, I’m only 28. Thing is I started at the Under-19 level and you guys have seen me for so long that you think I can’t make it to the team. It would be good to be back in the team and be part of the set up.
It must have been testing times for you after being dropped from the national squad?
It has been a challenging one for sure and I had lost track due to some personal issues, but yes, common sense prevailed. I have been able to embrace difficult times and learnt from it because it has brought me where I am today and helped me grow not just as a cricketer but also as a human being. Trials and tribulations help one grow and I have used it in a very positive way. I think I have grown and have matured a lot.
Was the KKR team happy with the idea of IPL moving to UAE?
We are very pretty open and are happy that it is closer to home. Conditions and timings are similar and it is such a viewers’ sport, we want the viewers to enjoy it as well. I have played two ODI’s here when this stadium opened and all that thoughts came to my mind when I was batting there in the nets. The wickets are slow but it is similar to what we have back home. It will be interesting.
Your views about the KKR squad?
On paper, KKR are a very, very balanced side. I have been in three different teams in the IPL and I have to say that the way they have treated me thus far has been very forthcoming and warm. And you can see that it is like a family and there is a lot of care that goes around within the unit.
The team looks really good but then again it is T20, it is about which team does well on that particular day. Also in a tournament like this, momentum plays a big part. As a unit, when you have momentum going your way, you tend to do well a lot more. There are going to be a couple of losses, but you have to sustain that momentum build on that.
Any specific reason behind your training in Mumbai? Have you interacted with Sachin Tendulkar to discuss batting?
Yes, I have made Mumbai my base because of cricketing reasons. The wickets in Mumbai are the most productive and challenging in the country and there is always something in it. I have been training under Praveen Amre at Khar Gymkhana. I have spoken to Sachin in between but not for long. It would be interesting to meet him and have a long chat on batting. I’m looking forward to one as early as possible.
