IPL 2021: After Gautam Gambhir's Tenure As KKR Captain, This Is The Most Secure I've Felt: Robin Uthappa On CSK

Chennai Super Kings batter Robin Uthappa said that CSK is one of the most secure franchises in IPL he has played for.

The 35-year-old Kerala batsman has played for different franchises in his 14 years of IPL starting with Mumbai Indians in 2008 and the very next year he moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore before he moved to Pune Warriors India in 2011.

After the franchise was officially terminated by BCCI in October 2013, Uthappa went to play for KKR and spent his longest part of IPL period with the franchise for a total of six seasons.

The wicketkeeper-batsman was bought by Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2020 auctions but was traded to CSK in IPL 2021 transfer window in all-cash deal.

CSK has been one of the most secure franchises: Robin Uthappa

On Sunday, Uthappa slammed 63 off 43 balls against Delhi Capitals in Qualifier 1 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. His innings was laced with seven fours and a couple of sixes and was involved in a 110-run alliance with opener Ruturaj Gaikwad as the duo resurrected CSK’s innings after losing Faf du Plessis early in the chase.

Uthappa mentioned that Gautam Gambhir made him feel very much secured at Kolkata Knight Riders and after the latter left the franchise this was the first time he felt secured with a team.

“I always maintain that this has been one of the most secure franchises going around and everyone feels secure within the group and I think that only makes a player only give that much more to the franchise,” Uthappa told the official broadcasters after the victory against DC. 

“After KKR, when Gauti was the captain I really enjoyed myself there and felt really secure in that group but after that this is the most secure I’ve felt while playing cricket in a while,” he added. 

I just felt that at some point I will be able to contribute to the team: Robin Uthappa

The Karnataka-born player warmed the bench for most of the season in the Yellow colours and could manage scores of 19 and 2 before his gritty knock against the Delhi Capitals that redefined his IPL career.

Uthappa opened up on his mental struggles when he wasn’t getting enough matches to play and said he was grateful to play such kind of knock for his team.

“There were days when there were doubts to be honest, when you don’t get to play these doubts tend to creep in and I try to make sure that I shut myself from the outside world, I just stuck to that and I just felt that at some point I will be able to contribute to the team in a way that’s really meaningful and I’m really grateful for God that I have been able to do that today,” Uthappa said. 

CSK eked out Delhi Capitals by four wickets to secure the first spot in IPL 2021 final. The Yellow Brigade will aim to win their fourth IPL title under MS Dhoni.

Also Read: IPL 2021: Robin Uthappa Repaid His Opportunity In Bucketloads, States Stephen Fleming