Former India player has undergone an amazing transformation

Robin Uthappa is not just looking leaner and fitter, he is also in a good mental space. Ever since the dashing opener, who went on a 10-day break to Belgium last July, before returning to India and hiring former India batsman Pravin Amre as his personal coach, there has been an amazing transformation in the Karnataka batsman. Yes, the ruthlessness in still there in his batting, just that there is more discipline and a price on his wicket.

Uthappa went through a whole make-over in his bid to make a comeback into the Indian team. And the road towards that began with a trophy-laden domestic cricket campaign with Karnataka and continues with the seventh edition of the IPL which begins on Wednesday.

Uthappa, who began with Mumbai Indians before moving to Royal Challengers Bangalore and the now defunct Pune Warriors, will be parading his wares for the Shahrukh Khan-owned Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) this season.

Uthappa, who made his ODI debut against England in April 2006, and had scored 86 in India’s win, last played an ODI against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final in Karachi, in July 2008. He made his T20 debut against Scotland in the T20 World Cup in Durban in September 2007 but that match was abandoned. His last T20 was against South Africa in Johannesburg in March 2012.

Uthappa felt that his time out of the Indian team has helped him learn a lot. “It has been challenging for sure. But I have been able to embrace difficult times and learnt from it because it has brought me where I am today and helped me grow not just as a cricketer but also as a human being. Trials and tribulations helps one grow and I have used it in a very positive way. I think I have grown and matured a lot,” Uthappa said.

There might be a massive waiting list for a slot in the Indian team but Uthappa said he still had age on his side. “I’m not that old. I’m only 28. Thing is I started at the Under-19 level and you guys have seen me for so long that you think I’m old. I’m only 28 and it would be good to be back in the team and be part of the set up. It is about putting runs at the right time and if you can contribute to the team. I’m very happy that I have been able to contribute to the teams that I have played with because that becomes meaningful and that’s when you are valued and you value your performances. And people begin to trust you and put that faith in you,” he said.

Uthappa was pleased with the domestic showing. “As a team, Karnataka created history. We won the Ranji Trophy. We won the Irani Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. No team has done that in domestic cricket in India. We all feel a lot of pride. It has been good and satisfying to be a meaningful contributor to those victories. So, very satisfied with the way things are going,” said Uthappa.

Karnataka won a seventh Ranji Trophy title before lapping up a fifth Irani Cup against the Rest of India. They also won the Vijay Hazare Trophy where Uthappa accumulated 536 runs, including three centuries. Uthappa repeatedly mentioned discipline which has helped him transform into a better cricketer.

“It has been a journey over the last couple of years. I have just got more disciplined with my food. I have become more disciplined towards the sport. I got a bit distracted because of some personal issues. But then, common sense prevailed. I got in line with my goals. It took a bit of time,” he said.

Uthappa felt that the strong showing has put him back in the reckoning for a return to the Indian team. “It is pretty clear for me. I played for India ‘A’ last year. I scored a 100 and I was in the reckoning. Unfortunately, I had an injury and it took me 10 weeks to be back. I played six games of the Ranji Trophy. But I came back and was able to contribute to the team.” Uthappa said. “I have changed a lot on my technique. I value my wicket a lot more right now,” he added.

source: http://www.khaleejtimes.com / Khaleej Times / Home> Sport Home> IPL 2014 / by James Jose (james@khaleejtimes.com) / April 13th, 2014