A hard-hitting batsman, Robin Uthappa has come a long way in becoming the mainstay of a line-up that he plays for and keeping wickets for a team that he represents. While speaking to the media ahead of the tour to Zimbabwe, the cricketer said that keeping wickets is something that he enjoys as much as he does his batting. The role behind the wickets is something that he has carefully worked on as much as he has on his batting.
Speaking on the aspect of being a wicketkeeper-batsman he said, "It has been quite an enjoyable journey. Initially it was a bit of a trouble, but as time went I fell in love with it. Once I kept wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Champions League, I thought of taking it as a full time. It came at a perfect time when my batting clicked."
"I could invest the same time which I did in batting, in the wicket-keeping as well. Today I am enjoying keeping the wickets. It gives us so much of information while you are standing behind the wickets and see what's going on in the field."
It has been a long journey for the wicketkeeper-batsman that has earned him his spot in the blue jersey. Reflecting on the times gone by, he said, “It’s been challenging, but you look at the India colours and the flag and you know that it is worth the wait, it’s worth the struggle and you want to get out there and represent your country and win matches for your country. That’s what motivates me and to do it at the highest level there is no bigger high for me.”
“I started off pretty well but I couldn’t capitalise on the opportunities I got as a young guy. I had some personal problems which side-tracked me a bit to the extent that I wanted to give up the game. But I am glad that I came back and now have the same passion and love for the game that I had as a child.”
“The game that I used to play in the past was a very big flash in the pan. It is good to watch but consistency takes a hit. That was something I wanted to work on but without compromising on my game. I went through my rigours and I have reached a place where I am really confident about my game. I know that I can accelerate at will and it feels good to bat the way I am batting,” he added while talking about his about.
“The dynamics of the game have also changed that you can play as long as you are fit. If you are fit enough and performing well enough you can always going to be picked. I don’t look at age as a factor. I am looking at how much I can do for my country and that’s what motivates me every day,” Uthappa mentioned.
Looking to be an integral part of the national team and measuring up his prospects, Uthappa said, “As a batting unit, we are looking at a No 6 batsman in the country and I believe I have what it takes to perform that role and bring about that flexibility the team’s looking for. In case MS wants to rest, or we need someone down the middle order, towards the end, I am willing to take up any challenge that’s available for me. I see my as a successor.”
But the larger goal remains, that of representing India in Tests and Uthappa has been toiling to that end. “I have worked on improving my four-day game. I want to play Tests for India and something that I have been working on win matches at that platform. Definitely playing Tests is what I am working on,” he said.
As he inches towards his goals, the wicketkeeper-batsman is glad to be on the right track and thankful for the opportunity. “I am grateful that I finally have a full series to play as opposed to just a couple of games in a year. This is an opportunity I have been waiting for since the last three-four years. I want to make the most of it and consolidate my spot in the side because I believe I have a lot to offer to the team,” he said.
“I am pretty excited about the series. It is a complete series with me wicket-keeping as well so very excited with the series. I have stuck to the same preparations and what has brought me success and looking forward to the opportunity,” Uthappa stated.
