Keeping an eye on the upcoming World T20 in India in March next year, Karnataka’s star batsman Robin Uthappa wants to cash in on his chances in the fourth edition of Karnataka Premier League, starting September 2.
Picked up by the Bijapur Bulls for Rs 3,40,000, Uthappa said his team had begun preparations for the event.
“Preparations are going on as usual. I'm looking forward to this tournament. It's good to have a lot of T20 games, especially with the World T20 coming up. There's no such thing as playing too many games,” he said at the launch of their team’s jersey on Tuesday night here. The 29-year old exuded confidence on his side’s chances of winning the tournament. “I'm happy to be a part of this side. We've got a good side and hopefully we can play to our potential and win this tournament.”
Uthappa, who topped the KPL auction last year (Rs 5,30,000, Bellary Tuskers), confessed that he wasn’t expecting to be bought for a higher amount this year. “I was under the impression that a lot of people didn't know whether I would be playing or not. I think it came as a surprise and unsettled a lot of plans. The money doesn't really matter to me. Just the experience of playing with these boys and playing T20 cricket right now is something I'm looking forward to,” Uthappa said.
The Karnataka opener, who made a return to the India limited overs squad for the tour of Zimbabwe, said he was not happy with his show in the one-dayers. “The T20s went pretty well for me. Unfortunately, I couldn't capitalise in the one-dayers,” he said.
“Batting in that position (No 4 & 5) was also something new to me. I probably was too keen to do well and made some wrong judgements at that point in time. I'm going to keep working hard and keep giving my best. Hopefully I'll play for India again,” he signed off.
Published 05 August 2015, 18:31 IST