IPL 2018: Sportzwiki's Man of the Match - Robin Uthappa

Kolkata Knight Riders’ seasoned campaigner, Robin Uthappa was on song when it mattered the most.

His fifty though went in vain but the array of strokes that he played after being dropped once, will hold him in a good state.

The right-hand batsman hit six fours and three sixes on his way to 54 off 35 balls. In the process, Uthappa also crossed 4000 runs in his IPL career and continued to be an asset for the purple and gold army.

An added responsibility of being the deputy to Dinesh Karthik hasn’t ruffled his feathers at all.

“I think we have got a side that can hold strong core for the next 5-7 years easily. So for me, I think that is commendable to have that kind of side. It’s commendable to have decision maker to have such setup,” he said ahead of the crucial tie against Mumbai Indians.

Uthappa, who represented Mumbai and the Bangalore franchise previously, plays the role of a strong mentor too for the KKR side.

“I started playing the IPL to where it is today. It has changed tremendously. We are at that stage where everything is growing and is learning to walk, and is just beginning to take strides and running.” he said.

“So I think, we are only going to see what it’s going to be like in next five or 10 years, which will dictate what it’s going to be in the next century,” the 32-year-old said.

The batter was well supported by Nitish Rana, who made 31 off 27 balls as well as skipper Dinesh Karthik, who chipped in with a 26-ball 36.

But some fine bowling from all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who conceded just 19 runs and picked two wickets, didn’t let the KKR side cross the line.

The Kolkata side ended their innings on 168/6 at the end of their 20 overs. 13 short of what could have been a vital win to help them qualify for the playoffs. Mumbai, on the other hand, will be happy to spoil the part for the Knights.