IPL 7: Enjoying the game right now, says Robin

Bengaluru: Patience and perseverance have had a magical effect on Robin Uthappa. Playing for his fourth IPL team in seven years, the go-to man of Kolkata Knight Riders this season has logged in his best show at the multi-million dollar extravaganza.

The performance has been no flash in the pan. Given his consistency in the domestic season gone by, it was a fitting endorsement of the 28-year-old’s enormous talent. Fitter, leaner and backed by personal coach Pravin Amre, Uthappa has rediscovered himself over the past year, and while maintaining his natural aggression he has shown admirable maturity.

The start of the season for the orange cap owner wasn’t sparkling. The UAE leg where he played in the middle order wasn’t successful tallying just 97 runs from five innings, but the 47 against Chennai Super Kings in a losing cause in their opening Indian leg match set the ball rolling.

More importantly, in that Ranchi encounter, Uthappa was back in his comfort zone — the opener’s role.

Uthappa who earned himself a national ODI call-up earlier this week, is enjoying one of the best phases of his cricketing career. “I have been in good form coming into the tournament and am completely enjoying playing the game right now.”

Thriving in his opener’s role, Uthappa said, “I have always been most comfortable up the order which I feel is my best position.”

What makes the final all the more exciting for Uthappa is the venue, the M. Chinnaswamy stadium, his home ground. “It is a great feeling to be in the final first of all. Being at the Chinnaswamy is an additional bonus as it is a ground I enjoy playing at. Hopefully, we will get a lot of support from the crowd and put in a great performance,” concluded Uthappa.