He is back with a bang. Though he has been sidelined from the Indian team for over two years, Robin Uthappa has been roped in by Sahara Pune Warriors for a whopping $2.1 million, the second highest bid on day one of the Indian Premier League auction in Bangalore on Saturday.
“This is something many players would love to hear. I thank my team for the price and the faith they have showed in me,” Uthappa told DNA. “This is really satisfying to know that someone has attached a high value to my game. It is my duty to give my best to them,” said Uthappa.
It has been a long wait for the player, who has been a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first three editions of IPL. “Yes, it does give me a great feeling because after being out of action for a while, making a comeback in this manner is a morale booster for me,” said the 25-year-old batsman.
This Kodava cricketer wants to make this IPL a remarkable one and most importantly for Sahara Pune Warriors, who have trusted him. “I will give my best shot,” said the striking batsman, who, in the BCCI Corporate Trophy final amassed a massive unbeaten 157.
“This is an opportunity for me, I thank Sahara Pune Warriors for picking me,” said Uthappa, who has been through a trying time in recent past.
Talking about his attempts to make a comeback into the Indian side, Uthappa said that playing in IPL will do a world of good for him. “This is a great opening for me. I always think positive and and now there is an opportunity on the platter,” said Uthappa, who recorded the maximum sixes in the third IPL and also had the highest strike rate in the tournament.
Uthappa does regret not being in the Indian side for the ICC World cup. “It does hurt, but I could do nothing but wait,” said the Bangalorean, who was left out of the 30 probables for the World Cup. “Now it is time.”
