Going Hard At The Top Was Important: Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa might have played his breakthrough innings in the current edition of IPL after having the chance to open the batting. Rajasthan Royals inserted their fifth opening pair of IPL 2020 – Robin Uthappa and Ben Stokes. It did not fail and brought them their first 50-run stand with Uthappa scoring 41 off 22 deliveries. The keeper-batsman feels confident about defending 177 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Dubai.

Robin Uthappa batted in the middle-order till now and vastly seemed out of place. His batting position differed between four and five. Moreover, Rajasthan Royals’ muddled batting order and inconsistency increased the pressure on Uthappa to perform. However, as a highly experienced batsman and having won the Orange Cap as well, he was not able to get going and help his side win matches.

Nevertheless, it all took turn for the good when Robin Uthappa batted at the top. The third over from Washington Sundar saw the right-handed batsman collect four boundaries followed by taking Isuru Udana for 17 runs in an over. Uthappa’s innings ended at the 22nd delivery, scoring 41 runs that included seven fours and a six.

“It’s been a while, I really enjoyed it (opening the innings)” : Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa underlined that he enjoyed opening the innings, having done after a long time. The former Indian cricketer stated that it was essential to get quick runs at the top since the pitch was getting slower and felt delighted to get a half-century opening stand after their repeated failures. Uthappa remains confident of the Royals’ bowling attack to defend 177 on a sluggish track; however, reckoned that the Royal Challengers also have the batting to chase it down.

“It’s been a while, I really enjoyed it (opening the innings) , wanted to give a good start to the team. Going hard at the top was important, the pitch became slower and slower as the innings progressed. We were losing a lot of wickets at the top of the order, couldn’t get a start, we needed to plug that, get partnerships going (talking about the change in the batting order).

If we were told we would get 177 (at the start), we would have happily taken it. Glad that I got the opportunity to open – the wickets are slowing down, and I think it will further slow down as the tournament progresses. We are confident about defending this – have a decent bowling attack, but they have a good batting line-up as well” the 34-year old told in the mid-innings presentation.

Also Read: Watch: Debutant Shahbaz Ahmed Takes Stunning Diving Catch To Send Back Steve Smith