I have cleaned up my cricket in big way: Uthappa

Disappointed he might be about his team Kolkata Knight Riders losing its IPL match against Delhi Daredevils here but veteran batsman Robin Uthappa says he is happy about finally being able to play “correct” cricket after cleaning up his technique.

Uthappa shone with a 41-ball 55 but KKR ended up losing against Delhi daredevils by four wickets.

“I have changed my technique and I have cleaned up my cricket in a big way, which has helped me play better. I believe while playing right, you can still score a lot of runs and score at a good pace. Today’s innings against Delhi Daredevils was a proof of that,” Uthappa told the IPL’s official website.

Uthappa said there were quite a few positives to be picked from the loss Saturday night.

“It was a good performance, I think we did really well throughout the game and it was just that 18th over when JP Duminy took off that changed the course of the game. There are a lot of positives to take from this game,” the batsman said.

“The energy within the team was really good, which is very important in a tournament like this. The way Manish Pandey batted and Shakib Al Hasan finished and the manner in which Vinay bowled initially, are the positives we can take,” he added.

Uthappa said his own effort with the bat has given him the confidence to make more impact in the tournament.

“I am glad that I have been able to continue my good form from the domestic season, which has really helped. I have been in good form throughout the season and I am happy I can contribute to the team in a meaningful way. It was good to be in touch and be able to stitch up a partnership with Manish Pandey and Shakib Al Hasan to get the team to a good total,” he said.

The batsman said he has curbed some of his natural aggression to adjust to the conditions here but will not hesitate to charge down on getting any opportunity.

“The wickets here are a little slow and you want the ball to come on to you to play those kind of shots. If the wickets allow me to play those shots, I definitely will,” he said.