MS Dhoni Clarified That It Was The Decision Of Leadership Group To Bring Me In CSK Setup: Robin Uthappa

New Chennai Super Kings (CSK) recruit Robin Uthappa spoke about what captain MS Dhoni talked about when he called him after Uthappa was traded by the three-time IPL champions ahead of the IPL 2021 auction.

Robin Uthappa had been traded by the CSK from Rajasthan Royals (RR) in an all-cash deal before the IPL 2021 auction, to fill the shoes of Shane Watson at the top as the opener and a potential keeping backup. The 35-year-old is looking forward to turning up for the men in Yellow, revealing the details of a special conversation with MS Dhoni after his move was confirmed.

I Want You To Know That I Didn’t Make The Decision About You Coming In Here: Robin Uthappa On MS Dhoni

Robin Uthappa and MS Dhoni were both parts of India’s 2007 World Cup team and won the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 for the Indian team together as well. Many speculated that this familiarity with Uthappa’s gameplay was the reason why MS Dhoni personally called for the trade deal to take place.

He also revealed that Dhoni told him that his move to CSK camp was a decision made by the whole management involving the CEO of the franchise as well.

“He, in fact, called me. He said, ‘I want you to know that I didn’t make the decision about you coming in here. It was actually the decision of the leadership group, which involved the coaches and the CEO’,” Uthappa said in an interview with ESPNCricinfo.

Robin Uthappa lit up the Vijay Hazare Trophy this year, helping Kerala qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time in eight years. He starred with 377 runs in six games, doing so at a stunning strike rate of 131.81.

 “He also said – and that’s what I love about him – ‘I didn’t want anyone to think that I was the one picking you. I wanted you to get into the team with your own ability and with your own skill. And when it came to me, I said, please ask everybody else in making the decision about you. Because anyone might feel ‘because MS is there, Robin got here’,” Uthappa added.

I Truly Appreciate MS Dhoni’s Honesty: Robin Uthappa

Furthermore, Robin Uthappa said that such a vote of confidence helps a player’s self-confidence ahead of a big tournament like the IPL. He was also thankful to MS Dhoni for his honesty and for showing support in his abilities.

“It is amazing, right, when there is that level of honesty. I truly appreciate that. For me, I know that I have gotten there by my own skill, by my own credibility. That is what I love about MS. You want to play for a leader like that, who gives you that confidence that, ‘Hey, you have come in here by your own credibility. I’ve done nothing’,” Robin Uthappa said.

Chennai Super Kings will open their IPL 2021 campaign against Delhi Capitals in Mumbai on April 10.

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