If You Do That Again, Even I Don't Know What Will Happen: Shoaib Akhtar's Threatening Words To Robin Uthappa

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar was undoubtedly one of the most challenging bowlers to get away with as his pace created numerous problems for even the best batsmen. Shoaib Akhtar spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling attack for a long time and went on to become one of the fearsome and effective bowlers produced by the nation. Amongst the many players he spewed the terror on, Robin Uthappa was one of those and the Indian batsman revealed an interesting anecdote about the same.

Robin Uthappa was part of the Indian squad that won the five-match ODI series against Pakistan back in 2007. Though the Indian keeper-batsman did not perform outstandingly, he played his role in patches to ensure in close games that India did not falter. Uthappa managed only 31 runs in five matches, with the best score of 19 at 10.33. The right-handed batsman could not get enough opportunities to bat either.

Robin Uthappa recalled the first ODI in Guwahati, which is on the east and gets dark with time. The Karnataka-born cricketer said that they did not have two new balls at that time and he was batting with Irfan Pathan, needing around 12 to win from 25 balls.

“We were playing a game in Guwahati. And since it’s in the east of India, it gets dark there early. Back then, we did not have two new balls. After 34 overs, we used to get a ball which used to be 24 overs old but slightly better. Shoaib was bowling and Irfan and I were batting. I think we needed 12 to win off 25 balls or something like that,” Uthappa said on ‘Wake Up With Sorabh’ YouTube channel

Robin Uthappa faced a yorker from Shoiab Akhtar at 154 clicks and dead batted it there, following which he hit a low full toss for a boundary. The 35-year old saw an opportunity to hit the Rawalpindi Express for a four since India needed only three or four for victory. Uthappa pounced on a length ball that took the edge, proving as the match-winning runs.

“I remember he bowled a yorker to me. I missed it from the arm and only saw it coming straight into the blockhole. I stopped the ball dead there. That was 154 something clicks. Next ball was a low full toss and I hit the ball for four. So after that, we needed 3 or 4 runs to win and I told myself, ‘Man, I have to walk out to Shoaib Akhtar and hit him. How many times will I get that opportunity.’ He bowled a length ball and I did it; it took the edge and it went for four. We won the match,” the veteran claimed.

After that, I didn’t even dare walk out to Shoaib Akhtar: Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa recollected travelling to Gwalior for the 4th ODI and having dinner together, hanging out in someone’s room. The 35-year old recalled Shoaib Akhtar being there and lauding him for playing well in Guwahati; however, the speedster remembered the batsman walking down and hitting him. Akhtar warned Uthappa that if he does it again, he might have to deal with a beamer and the Karnataka-born did not dare to do it again.

“We went to Gwalior for the next game (4th ODI) and I remember we all were having dinner together. I think we hung out in someone’s room and having a meal. Shoaib bhai was there as well. He came to me and said ‘Robin… well played. Good game’. And then he said ‘One more thing… you walked out and hit me today. If you do that again, even I don’t know what will happen… you might get a beamer directed at your head.’ After that, I didn’t even dare walk out to him,” he added further.

Also Read: Shahid Afridi Opens Up On The Infamous Incident Involving Shoaib Akhtar And Mohammad Asif In 2007