Robin Uthappa, who ended his long association with Karnataka cricket this June, has chosen to play for Saurashtra for the upcoming domestic season.
“Robin Uthappa has completed all necessary formalities to BCCI, Saurashtra Cricket Association and Karnataka State Cricket Association,” said a statement from SCA.
“Saurashtra Cricket Association welcomes Robin Uthappa. SCA feels confident that Robin will add up strength to strong Ranji Team of Saurashtra with his vast experience and commendable performance.”
Uthappa, who made his debut for Karnataka as a precocious 17-year-old in 2002 and went on to become one of the batting mainstays, had applied for a No-Objection Certificate from the KSCA a few months back.
Since then he had been strongly linked to Kerala with Kerala Cricket Association secretary Jayesh George stating they were close to signing the hard-hitting batsman. Things, however, took a new turn last week when news emerged that Saurashtra were seeking the services of Uthappa in a bid to bolster their squad.
Although Uthappa played a key role in Karnataka’s fantastic rise since the turn of the decade that saw them reach unprecedented heights, his form and fortunes took a dip last season. He even lost his place in the side although the management claimed they had rested him.
Overall, he represented Karnataka in 101 first-class matches, scoring 6865 runs at 41.85, including 18 centuries and 33 half-centuries.
Uthappa was not available for his thoughts on moving to Saurashtra.
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