Bangalore: Like it or not, Robin Uthappa has been branded a limited-over specialist. The flamboyant cricketer may have played 46 one-day Internationals, but it is the T20 format, especially the IPL, where he has excelled.
The 2014 Orange Cap holder, with 660 runs, Uthappa played a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ second title triumph. This year’s IPL may not have been as productive, but the Karnataka wicket-keeper-batsman is already looking forward to the next season.
More so since Jacques Kallis has been named the Knight Riders’ coach. “I’m really very excited about working with Jacques. The great player that he has been, Jacques always tries to imbibe those qualities in his coaching,” Uthappa told The Telegraph on Wednesday.
“I’ve already worked with him since he was our batting mentor. I’m sure we’ll have a fantastic season ahead. He always brings in positive energy and approach to the side,” Uthappa remarked.
Uthappa benefited from working with Kallis during the last IPL. “We spoke a lot about batting, both the technical and mental aspects. He was always forthcoming and deeply involved with the side. Jacques’s inputs did come in handy during those key moments,” he recalled.
Uthappa knows that the decision to have Kallis as coach was well thought out and felt there couldn’t have been a better choice. “The KKR management has always been very good. Their decisions have always had a positive impact on the team. I don’t think it will be any different this time. The choice to have Jacques as coach is just perfect.”
Despite performing consistently with the Knight Riders, Uthappa hasn’t been to translate his form in the T20Is. He hasn’t been a regular with the Indian team, playing only 13 matches, scoring 249 runs at an average of 24.90. With the World T20 only months away, Uthappa is focused on the showpiece event.
“I always see myself with a good chance… I have faith in my game and abilities. I can only keep performing. The rest is up to the selectors,” Uthappa said.
He has been in decent form this Ranji Trophy season scoring over 500 runs with two centuries in six matches. To facilitate Uthappa’s chances of making it to the national side, Karnataka have already decided to entrust him with the wicket-keeping duties.
“He has kept in the IPL and people know he’s a good wicket-keeper. The decision to have him as ’keeper, instead of regular ’keeper CM Gautam, came from the very top. In fact, both have been alternating ’keeping duties between matches,” said a KSCA official. On the personal front too, there’s good news for Uthappa. Only recently, Uthappa has announced his engagement with girlfriend and tennis star Sheethal Goutham. The couple plan to get married early next year.
