Robin Uthappa speaking at an event organised as part of the India leg of the World Cup trophy tour. © kareem
Star Karnataka batsman, Robin Uthappa, appeared hopeful of his chances to make the final squad for India's defence of the ICC Cricket World Cup, to be held in Australia-New Zealand in 2015.
Speaking to media at the Bangalore leg of the six-city World Cup trophy tour of India, the flamboyant batsman said he identified himself as someone, who could play multiple roles in the team.
"I can bat as an opener and also play the finisher role at number six. I can also double-up as wicket-keeper and this can open up two-three slots for other selections. However, it's up to the team management and selectors," Uthappa said.
Named in the 30-man probables for the World Cup, Uthappa, has had a great 12-14 months in the domestic circuit. Despite missing six games of the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy season to injury, he scored four List A centuries, followed by an outstanding Indian Premier League (IPL), in which he topped the batting charts. His efforts handed Karnataka a treble of titles, a seventh Ranji Trophy and victories in the Irani Cup and Vijay Hazare Trophy.
"I'm happy with my form. I'm hitting the ball extremely well. I'm scoring runs that's helping team win titles. My success individually has also been because of the team's (Karnataka) collective desire to do well. I'm confident of my ability as far as One-Day Internationals are concerned. So, definitely looking forward to an opportunity (to play in the World Cup).
"The new domestic season is again important, especially with the Cricket World Cup around the corner. Every performance is crucial. When you are winning games, you are taking a step closer to the team's goals. It also ticks another box that takes you closer to the individual goals that you set yourself to achieve," he said.
Uthappa has worked extensively on his technique with Pravin Amre which has since reaped rich benefits in terms of the sheer volume of runs he has amassed in the last year and a half.
"I've settled down with it (my technique) and am very happy with where it is. I also feel extremely fit. To be able to bat and keep(wickets) is extremely challenging and I've been able to do it comfortably without any issues whatsoever," he added.
Uthappa has been a member of two contrasting World Cup campaigns with the India squad in 2007. The team won the inaugural World T20 title when not many gave them a chance, but had crashed out of the 50-over event despite being touted as one of the pre-tournament favourites. Uthappa on his part, spoke about the constant pressure surrounding Indian cricket, especially ahead of a World Cup campaign.
"Pressure is always part of this game. We've learnt to deal with it much better now. Back in 2007, we were young and didn't quite understand the whole thing. These days, the volume of cricket has increased. The media covers a lot more and there's so much more that's being said. We know what is in our control and what's out of it. We just go out there and put our best foot forward."
Replying to a query, Uthappa opined that India's pace bowling attack of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ishant Sharma had taken up the responsibility in the absence of more experienced heads and felt that the attack is equipped to defend the World Cup title.
He signed off by adding that while India appeared to be strong favourites for retaining the cup, a clearer picture would only emerge after the initial stages of the tournament.
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