We are looking ahead to the play-off: Robin Uthappa

There is obvious disappointment in the Royal Challengers Bangalore ranks after they bowed out in the semifinal following the 35-run loss to Mumbai Indians. 

Robin Uthappa revealed that though the loss was a bitter experience, it wouldn’t stop the Bangalore side from putting their best foot forward in the third-place playoff.

The winner of this game, to be played on Saturday, will get entry into the Champions League.

“We bowled very well initially, taking the four crucial wickets but then we gave away the momentum. We had the momentum in batting too and we could have carried on with it as Rahul (Dravid) and I were playing some good cricket. But then we could not continue. It was disappointing,” Uthappa told DNA on Thursday.

“On this particular ground (DY Patil) a target of 160 is quite gettable. But 180 was a bit out of reach in that situation. We tried to make a decent start by scoring 80 for two in the first nine overs. But the next two wickets did us in,” Uthappa added.

The 24-year-old said that they were now looking ahead to the third-place game. “It is disappointing when you lose the semifinals. However, we are looking ahead and hope to win the third-place match. Champions League is a different tournament and a great opportunity where international teams come and play. A win will help us overcome the disappointment of a semifinal loss to a certain extent.”

Uthappa said that all the hard work over the past three to four months seem to have come to nought after the semifinal loss. “We were playing well. It does impact you when you experience defeat. But we are professionals and we have to cope with it,” Uthappa added.

He also felt that the result could be different if the matches were played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. “Definitely, the crowd support did make a difference. Back home we would have got fantastic support.”

As far his personal form goes, Uthappa who scored 374 runs in 15 matches, said: “I am enjoying batting in the middle order. I can read the situation well in the middle order. If not for the semifinal loss everything would have felt better.”

Uthappa reverted to his old grip and stance during the Corporate Trophy and believes it is behind his current success. “I had a much closed stance. Now I have a open stance. It has helped me keep my head steady and it has worked.”

On being left out of World Twenty20 squad, Uthappa said: “I am disappointed that I did not make the list of 30 probables. I think I am good enough to be at least in the 30-best players in the country,” Uthappa signed off.