Robin Uthappa credits his focus for technique behind dream IPL run

Robin Uthappa

Kolkata, May 21 (IANS) Kolkata Knight Riders' batsman Robin Uthappa who has been a revelation with the bat helping his side inch closer to a playoff berth in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Tuesday attributed his success to his ability to trying to be technically in shape.

The dashing opener so far has scored 489 runs from 12 outings and was declared the man of the match in the Tuesday's game against Chennai Super Kings at the Eden Gardens for his blistering 39 ball 67.

"The focus is not to lose the shape technically and hit the balls in the gap. The idea is to get behind the ball initially when it's doing a bit, because it is important as an opener that i give my team a good start.

"In T20 cricket you tend to hit the ball hard or square up a little bit, but I try to stay square on and play the ball late. If i can do that 10 out of 10 times then may eight times I can hit the ball in the gap," said Uthappa during the post match press conference.

Talking about KKR's yet another successful chase, Uthappa said: "It was important that we started off on the right note here and give the crowd a win because we are coming here after a long time. Moreover, we have been chasing well and we did not know what the par score would be on this wicket so we decided to chase."

"It's very important to have such a convincing win especially against a formidable side like the CSK. You give them an inch and they take a mile so it was important that we did not take risks and tried to consolidate and take things forward," he said about the eight win over the CSK.

The opener also described Eden Gardens as his lucky ground and dedicated his man of the match award to 'Muffin'- his friends pet.