The year was 2007. On September 5, with India trailing the seven- match ODI series 3-2, England set India a stiff target of 317. As the middle order wobbled, and English bowlers raged, Uthappa took the attack to England, scoring a quick-fire 47 of 33 deliveries to steer India home.
Uthappa’s innings at the Oval, ought to have been among the most entertaining knocks under pressure.
And now, Indian batsman and Bijapur Bulls skipper, Robin Uthappa, who completes ten years in international cricket this month, thinks it takes a little time for a player to make the adjustment, from international to domestic cricket.
“It depends on where you are playing,” said Uthappa. “If you have been playing consistently in international cricket, then domestic cricket is a jump down and that jump takes a little time to adjust. It’s vice-versa as well. There is a drop and there is a jump in both stages,” according to Uthappa.
The dynamic Karnataka batsman, who will be playing his fifth KPL this year, sees the tournament as a chance to blood more talent. He believes, “KPL is an opportunity to identify who the young cricketers out there can represent Karnataka and anyone exciting, who can represent the country.”
The conversation moved to IPL and his time with Kolkata Knight Riders, where ex-South African all-rounder, Jacques Kallis is the batting coach. According to Uthappa, “Jacques (Kallis) was someone who did not speak very much when he was a player. So, as a coach, it is refreshing to have someone who is as great as him to share as much as he shared with us.”
Although Uthappa thinks, “the greatest players on earth follow the same pattern. They say similar things about what can make you successful; like discipline, remembering the basics, thinking through your processes, not fussing over technique and enjoying the game.”
With his recent Duleep Trophy experience, I asked him what he felt about day-night test cricket, especially after BCCI tested the format in Duleep Trophy.
“For me, it is a new experience,” said Uthappa. “I think the pink ball in the day will be a little bright. It takes a little getting used to but under artificial lights, it should be easier because the ball is a lot glossier.”
Having said that, he thinks, “It should be entertaining for the crowds. They will come in and watch Test cricket under different conditions. It will make (cricket) more crowd friendly.”
As someone who has travelled the globe, and faced varied bowling attacks, was there one particular bowler he loved batting against.
“Brett Lee,” says Uthappa, with a broad smile. “For me, to have scored runs against him has been very satisfying. He has the cleanest action and I love the ball coming onto the bat as quickly as it can. He was one of the fastest bowlers in the world. I respect him a lot,” said Uthappa.
When asked about the challenges of performing in crunch situations, particularly when one has been warming the bench for too long, Uthappa believes, ‘Those are opportunities to grow as a cricketer, those are opportunities to find out what kind of capacity you have to handle pressure.”
According to him, it all comes down to how a player perceives it. “If you perceive it is going to be hard to compete, it (the situation) will beat you. But if you try and stay in the present and make the most of it, you will come out on top.”
The Bijapur Bulls captain, who will be defending the KPL trophy this year, says, “KPL is a fantastic tournament for blooding talent from Karnataka. We have been a state that has been constantly and consistently providing talent to the country. A tournament like this is a stepping stone to that. It is a really important tournament for the youngsters.”
However, the challenges are different for Uthappa. ‘At this stage of my career, I find bringing a team together and making them work towards achieving a goal more exciting,” said Uthappa.
Uthappa talks like he bats; with confidence and style. Needless to say, he will hold the key when Bijapur Bulls take the field to defend their KPL title.
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