Robin Uthappa unsure about his Karnataka return

Uthappa will play for the Bengaluru Blasters in this KPL edition.

Robin Uthappa (KPL  Official Twitter handle)

Indian batsman Robin Uthappa who made a late entry into the Bengaluru Blasters squad for the Karnataka Premier League this year is still unsure about his return to playing for Karnataka again. 

After featuring in the Karnataka team for around 15 years, Uthappa moved to Saurashtra last season. It was a massive shift out of his comfort zone.

“I spoke to the KSCA and expressed my interest to play in the KPL, and they were happy to bring me in. This is the KPL — it is our tournament. How can I not play? This is a chance for me to receive love from our Karnataka fans," he said.

Asked if he is keen to return to the Karnataka domestic side, Uthappa was non-committal. "Let's see what happens. Playing in the KPL is a start,” Uthappa said.

Uthappa also admitted regarding his sour relationships with the KSCA officials and has also owned up his faults. 

“The time with Saurashtra helped me mend fences with KSCA. There were certain areas where I overstepped, during my time with the Karnataka team. I had to man up and apologise, and I have done that,” he said.

Uthappa explained that shifting allegiance to Saurashtra did not come easy. “When I left Karnataka, I felt like I left a part of my heart behind. Moving out of your home state is not something I’d advise everyone to do. I faced a lot of challenges, outside the game of cricket. The local language is different, and so is the food. Gujarat is a predominantly vegetarian state — something I’m not used to. But in terms of cricket, the set-up and the players were great,” he said.

Uthappa who made his debut for India back in 2006, last played three years ago in 2015 against Zimbabwe in Harare. 

(Inputs from SportStar Live)

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 30 Jul, 2018

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