I have cleaned up my cricket in a big way: Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa

Karnataka batsman Robin Uthappa made a grand entry to international cricket when he made 86 on his debut for India against England in a One Day International in 2006. Since then the Coorg-born batsman has gone on to play only 36 ODIs, failing to grab a spot for himself in the Indian batting line-up.

The 28-year-old, now playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise in the 7th edition of the Indian Premier League, has shored up his batting technique, matured a lot more and is looking to put in some good performances for the franchise.

Speaking after scoring a brisk half-century against Delhi Daredevils, Uthappa said : “I am glad that I have been able to continue my good form from the domestic season, which has really helped. I have been in good form throughout the season and I am happy I can contribute to the team in a meaningful way. It was good to be in touch and be able to stitch up a partnership with Manish Pandey and Shakib Al Hasan to get the team to a good total.”

Uthappa, who has been known to put bowlers off their line and length by employing the reverse sweep every now and then, intends to continue in the same vein.

“I have always played the reverse sweep. I have just kept the options open. When the opportunity arises and when I see a gap, then I play it. I only play it if I believe it is going to be useful at that point of time,” he said.

Uthappa also emphasized on paying more attention to conventional cricket shots and said that keeping it simple can be beneficial at most times.

“I have changed my technique and I have cleaned up my cricket in a big way, which has helped me play more correct cricket. I believe while playing correct, you can still score a lot of runs and score at a good pace. Today’s innings against Delhi Daredevils was a proof of that,” he added.

One of the lasting memories of Uthappa’s international career is him walking down the pitch to Brett Lee in Australia and depositing the ball over the stands. When reminded that he doesn’t do that more these days, Uthappa said : “The wickets here are a little slow and you want the ball to come on to you to play those kind of shots. If the wickets allow me to play those shots, I definitely will.”