I can win games for Team India: Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa, speaking on his omission from the Indian squad selected for the 5-match series against England, which India now lead 2-0 with 2 more matches to go, has said that he is disappointed with the selectors’ decision as he was “hoping to get a longer run”.

Uthappa made it to the national One Day International side for the series against Bangladesh, after a span of close to six years following a terrific domestic season with Karnataka and Indian Premier League season with Kolkata Knight Riders.

Despite making only scores of 50, 14 and 5, his place wasn’t under any threat, as the pitches in Bangladesh were substandard and helped bowlers more; however, what turned the tide against him was his performances with India A in Australia just ahead of the ODI series in England, where he failed to cross the 50-run mark even once in seven one-day matches and 3 unofficial-Test innings on challenging conditions.

His teammates in that tour Sanju Samson, Dhawal Kulkarni and Karn Sharma were rewarded for their telling performances in the tour Down Under with a spot each in the squad. Uthappa, though, is looking forward for the next season to get back his lost spot.

I can win games for Team India

Uthappa, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, said: “When I did get an opportunity on a normal one-day wicket, I did get a few runs. So I am hoping that a few more good performances can give me back that spot to prove my ability at the top of the order. I do believe I can lay the foundation and can set up games and win games for my country.

"I can sense and feel that I am in an around the fringe again and I just need to top up with my performances. I just need to keep going out there and doing well and if I can do that I know it [a call-up] is not far off, it's just a matter of time."

The 28-year-old also made it clear that he hasn’t ruled out Test cricket, yet. He said: It was a little unfortunate to miss out last season on six [first-class] games - that would have played a huge part in claiming my [Test] spot as well because there is a dearth of an opening batsman there. I believe this season is an opportunity on many fronts for me, and I am looking forward to maximising it."

Winning CLT20 would be fantastic

Speaking highly of KKR’s team atmosphere, the right-handed opening batsman, when asked about how would it be to take his team to their maiden Champions League T20 title, said: “Experiencing that would be a fantastic. We are a wonderful unit, an extremely happy unit that cares for each other's performances.

“There's a lot of emotion that runs around the team, which is great. I think winning the IPL has brought us closer."

Uthappa ended IPL 7 as the leading run-getter, scoring 660 runs at an average of 44 to help his team win its second IPL crown.

Karnataka can replicate the treble-winning season

Karnataka had a sensational domestic season last year, winning Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup and Vijay Hazare Trophy. On whether they can replicate the success, Uthappa, one of the corner stones of the team’s success, said: "It's a huge expectation to live up to again, but it's a good expectation to live up to as well. It's a good standard to set for ourselves. We took it one game at a time last year and if we can repeat that, very consciously, I think we will be able to repeat those performances."