Experienced batsman Robin Uthappa has expressed his desire to play as an opener for his sixth Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL 2020 starting April 9.
The three-time IPL champions CSK bagged an experienced batsman outside the auctions as a trade from Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming 14th edition of IPL 2021 to be held in India this year.
Uthappa, who now plays for Kerala in the domestic cricket, is among the top 10 run-getters in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season with 377 runs at an average of 75.4 and strike-rate of 131.81 and his recent form has infused in him to open for CSK in the IPL 14 rather than batting in the middle-order.
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The 35-year-old further pointed out that he batted at different positions in the T20 tournament, but didn’t get desired runs, but did well as an opener, so he wants to play as an opener for CSK in the IPL 14.
Uthappa told Times of India on Wednesday (March 10): “I would definitely like to play as an opener. It is where I naturally thrive. Getting the team off to a good start and winning matches for the team is what I am most comfortable doing.
In the last few years, people have tried to use me in positions that I am not necessarily good at. It is probably why you have seen a dip in performance. But whenever I have opened the batting, I have done really well.”
The right-hander from Karnataka further added, “I have got the fondest memories with Dhoni. We met for the first time during a Challenger Trophy campaign and played an NCA (National Cricket Academy) match together around 2004.
We were very close when we were playing for India together. Since then, we have always been in touch. Our families are pretty close to each other as well. Our relationship has grown over the years. Even our kids are friends today.”
This IPL season no team will get the luxury of home conditions and Uthappa said this is the same for all teams and he is ok with it since the spin plays a vital role in Indian conditions everywhere.
He signed off, “It is definitely a level playing field since no team is playing at home. As we are playing in India, the spin will still play a role, especially at the back end of the tournament. It is unfortunate that we are not playing at home and in front of our fans, but home advantage is being nullified for all teams.”
