<p>Ahead of the Karnataka Premier League, Robin Uthappa had expressed a strong desire to get back to the Karnataka set-up for the upcoming domestic season. The classy batsman, who turned out for Saurashtra last time, had admitted that it wasn’t easy to play for a new team. Despite his interest, it appears like Uthappa will have to wait longer to don the Karnataka colours again.</p>.<p>With less than ten days to go for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the season-opening tournament, it has been confirmed that Uthappa will continue with Saurashtra. Uthappa’s decision to play the KPL was seen as a step towards returning to Karnataka, a team with which he had a 15-year-long association. But the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) selectors isn’t keen on having him back, the 32-year-old told <span class="italic">DH</span>.</p>.<p>“I wanted to play (for Karnataka) but it looks like the selectors aren’t interested. I spoke to them and they said they will get back to me. But there was no communication from their end and I had no clue what was happening. So I decided to sign another year with Saurashtra,” said Uthappa, who scored 180 runs from seven games and led Bengaluru Blasters to the final in the KPL. </p>.<p>Uthappa had made it clear that he had mended fences with the KSCA administrators. His shift in allegiance occurred following an uneasy equation with KSCA. The 2015-17 period was an ordinary one for Uthappa. And KSCA’s decision to ignore him for the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals against Tamil Nadu in the 2016-17 season didn’t go down well with the player. </p>.<p>“I have no issues with the administrators but in the end, it was up to the selectors. I wished to play in front of our crowd but now it’s time to move on. I am preparing well for the season and I am eager to do well for Saurashtra,” he said. </p>.<p class="CrossHead">Side for the future </p>.<p>With many seasoned players moving up the ranks and representing the country (‘A’ side or senior team), the KSCA has begun to build a side for the future with many youngsters receiving opportunities. Mir Kaunain Abbas and D Nischal were tried at Uthappa’s number 3 position and they fared well.</p>.<p>“We don’t have anything against anybody. We are just looking ahead and forming a core squad. Many youngsters are doing well and it’s time for us to give them an opportunity on the bigger stage,” said Raghuram Bhat, senior selection committee chairman. </p>
<p>Ahead of the Karnataka Premier League, Robin Uthappa had expressed a strong desire to get back to the Karnataka set-up for the upcoming domestic season. The classy batsman, who turned out for Saurashtra last time, had admitted that it wasn’t easy to play for a new team. Despite his interest, it appears like Uthappa will have to wait longer to don the Karnataka colours again.</p>.<p>With less than ten days to go for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the season-opening tournament, it has been confirmed that Uthappa will continue with Saurashtra. Uthappa’s decision to play the KPL was seen as a step towards returning to Karnataka, a team with which he had a 15-year-long association. But the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) selectors isn’t keen on having him back, the 32-year-old told <span class="italic">DH</span>.</p>.<p>“I wanted to play (for Karnataka) but it looks like the selectors aren’t interested. I spoke to them and they said they will get back to me. But there was no communication from their end and I had no clue what was happening. So I decided to sign another year with Saurashtra,” said Uthappa, who scored 180 runs from seven games and led Bengaluru Blasters to the final in the KPL. </p>.<p>Uthappa had made it clear that he had mended fences with the KSCA administrators. His shift in allegiance occurred following an uneasy equation with KSCA. The 2015-17 period was an ordinary one for Uthappa. And KSCA’s decision to ignore him for the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals against Tamil Nadu in the 2016-17 season didn’t go down well with the player. </p>.<p>“I have no issues with the administrators but in the end, it was up to the selectors. I wished to play in front of our crowd but now it’s time to move on. I am preparing well for the season and I am eager to do well for Saurashtra,” he said. </p>.<p class="CrossHead">Side for the future </p>.<p>With many seasoned players moving up the ranks and representing the country (‘A’ side or senior team), the KSCA has begun to build a side for the future with many youngsters receiving opportunities. Mir Kaunain Abbas and D Nischal were tried at Uthappa’s number 3 position and they fared well.</p>.<p>“We don’t have anything against anybody. We are just looking ahead and forming a core squad. Many youngsters are doing well and it’s time for us to give them an opportunity on the bigger stage,” said Raghuram Bhat, senior selection committee chairman. </p>