Cricket

Amidst Abhishek Sharma's inconsistent start to his T20I career, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa has advocated for the team management to grant the young opener a free role. Despite scoring a century in just his second T20I match, Abhishek's recent performances have raised concerns. In nine T20I innings, he has managed only 166 runs at an underwhelming average of 20.75.Uthappa believes that the team should emulate the approach taken with Virender Sehwag in the early 2000s, where he was given the freedom to express himself. "I won't look for too much consistency with someone like him. I would like to leave him as free as possible, like a Virender Sehwag perhaps in the early 2000s, where people were like 'just go and enjoy yourself'," Uthappa told Jio Cinema.Uthappa emphasized that he is not overly concerned about Abhishek's consistency, as the team has assigned him a specific role of attacking the bowlers from the outset. "Because if it comes, it's a match-winning hundred or 80, if he gets a quick start, he is still serving the purpose towards the team. So the role is defined. I wouldn't worry too much about consistency when it comes to Abhishek," he added.Abhishek's breakthrough season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year caught the attention of the selectors. He scored 484 runs in 16 matches at an average of 32.26, helping SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) reach the final.Meanwhile, Sanju Samson's second consecutive T20I century powered India to a 61-run victory in the first of four matches against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday. Opening batter Samson struck 10 sixes and seven fours in a spectacular innings of 107 off 50 balls, contributing to India's total of 202-8.Leg-spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi combined to take six wickets as South Africa crumbled to 141 all out.

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has expressed his disapproval of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) allowing New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra to practice at their academy ahead of the Test series against India. Ravindra emerged as the highest run-scorer for New Zealand as the visitors completed a historic 3-0 whitewash in the series.Uthappa criticized CSK's decision, stating that the franchise should prioritize the country's interests over those of its players, especially when it comes to foreign players who will be competing against India. He emphasized that a line should be drawn when the nation's interests are at stake.Ravindra, who was part of the CSK squad in IPL 2024, was granted permission to practice at the franchise's academy to acclimatize to Indian conditions. However, Uthappa believes that this decision was inappropriate, as it potentially gave Ravindra an unfair advantage in the Test series.Despite his criticism of CSK, Uthappa acknowledged the franchise's reputation for taking care of its players. However, he stressed that the country's interests should always come first.Ravindra, on the other hand, described New Zealand's 3-0 Test series victory over India as a special and unforgettable experience. He praised the team's performance and expressed his joy at being part of such a historic achievement.New Zealand's victory marked the first time a visiting team had completed a clean sweep in a three-Test series against India. Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel played a crucial role in the victory, taking 6-57 in India's second innings.

Robin Uthappa to Lead Star-Studded Indian Team in Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2024Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa will captain a formidable Indian squad in the upcoming Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2024. The tournament, set to take place from November 1-4, will feature 12 teams vying for the coveted title.Joining Uthappa in the Indian team are experienced all-rounders Kedar Jadhav and Stuart Binny, elegant batsman Manoj Tiwary, left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, aggressive batter Bharat Chipli, and wicketkeeper-batsman Shreevats Goswami. This well-rounded squad boasts a blend of batting prowess and bowling versatility.India will aim to reclaim the title they last won in 2005. The tournament, which began in 1992, has witnessed legendary cricketers such as Brian Lara, Wasim Akram, Shane Warne, Sachin Tendulkar, M.S. Dhoni, and Anil Kumble grace its grounds. England and South Africa hold the record for most titles with five each.The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes follows a unique format. Matches are played between two teams of six players, with each side batting for a maximum of five overs. However, the final match will see teams bowl five overs of eight balls each. All fielders except the wicket-keeper must bowl one over, and wides and no-balls count as two runs. Batsmen retire at 31 runs but can re-enter once all other batters have been dismissed or retired.India's opening match will be against arch-rivals Pakistan on November 1. Other participating teams include Australia, Bangladesh, England, Hong Kong, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The National Cricket League (NCL) in the United States has introduced a thrilling new format: the Sixty Strikes tournament. This 10-overs-a-side competition has attracted some of the biggest names in cricket, both on and off the field.In a recent match, Robin Uthappa-led Chicago CC emerged victorious over Texas Gladiators by a commanding 41-run margin. Batting first, Chicago posted an impressive total of 173/2 in their allotted 10 overs.India star Uthappa and Australian opener Chris Lynn were the architects of Chicago's success. Uthappa smashed a blistering 66 off just 27 deliveries, including seven sixes and five fours. Lynn, meanwhile, remained unbeaten on 60 off 23 balls, hitting seven sixes and three fours.The duo shared a 112-run opening partnership that left the Texas Gladiators reeling. After Uthappa's dismissal, Mikyle Louis continued the onslaught with a quickfire 34* off 10 balls.In reply, Texas Gladiators got off to a decent start thanks to Dawid Malan and Kennar Lewis. However, Malan's 35 off 16 balls was cut short by Simon Harmer, while Lewis' 14 off 6 balls was ended by Sohail Tanvir.Michael Leask then turned the match on its head with a devastating spell of bowling. The Australian all-rounder claimed four wickets for just 27 runs, including a hat-trick. His victims included Nick Kelly, James Fuller, Wahab Riaz, and Usman Rafiq.The Sixty Strikes tournament has been a resounding success so far, showcasing the growing popularity of cricket in the United States. With legends of the game involved and exciting matches like the one between Chicago CC and Texas Gladiators, the tournament is sure to continue to captivate fans.

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has bravely opened up about his past struggles with depression, aiming to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage others to seek help. In a heartfelt social media post and a subsequent YouTube video, Uthappa shared his personal experience with the debilitating condition, emphasizing that his battle with depression was more challenging than any he faced on the cricket field.Uthappa, known for his aggressive batting style, acknowledged the isolating nature of mental health struggles. "We are going to be talking about depression and suicide. We recently heard about Graham Thorpe and David Johnson from India. VB Chandra Sekhar sir who was the rock of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). I have been there as well. It's not a pretty journey. It's debilitating. You feel like you are a burden to people you love. It's challenging. You feel like you are worth less," the 38-year-old said in his YouTube video.Uthappa's revelation comes amid growing concerns about the mental well-being of athletes, particularly in high-pressure environments. He specifically mentioned the tragic suicides of cricketers Graham Thorpe, David Johnson, and VB Chandrasekhar, highlighting the devastating impact of untreated mental health issues.While Uthappa enjoyed considerable success in white-ball cricket, including playing a crucial role in India's 2007 T20 World Cup victory, his international career was marked by inconsistency and selection setbacks. Despite his on-field achievements, Uthappa faced personal challenges that took a toll on his mental health.In his social media post, Uthappa wrote, "I've faced many battles on the cricket field, but none as tough as the one I fought with depression. I'm breaking the silence around mental health because I know I'm not alone."Uthappa's decision to share his story is a significant step towards normalizing conversations about mental health within the sporting world and beyond. By speaking openly about his experiences, he provides a powerful example for others struggling in silence, encouraging them to seek the help they deserve.

Sanju Samson's international career has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by both brilliance and frustration. Despite his exceptional talent, the wicket-keeper batter has repeatedly faced snubs from the white-ball teams, leaving many scratching their heads.Samson's latest setback came when he was overlooked for India's ODI series against Sri Lanka, despite scoring a century in his last one-day international match. Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa, known for his blunt assessments, expressed his disappointment over Samson's omission."This is not the first time Sanju has gone through this," Uthappa said. "I don't think it will be the last time either. But his one-day numbers have been incredible."Uthappa attributed Samson's struggles to the constant changes within the Indian leadership group. "Things have to settle down a bit," he said. "We as fans and supporters need to give them space."However, Uthappa believes that Samson is not out of contention for the ODI team. "He will get his opportunity," Uthappa said. "But when it comes, he needs to grab it with solid performances."Samson's future in the ODI team may hinge on his performance in the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. An exemplary show in the shortest format could force the selectors to give him a longer run in the 50-over format as well.Samson's case highlights the complexities of team selection in modern cricket. With a plethora of talented players vying for limited spots, even the most deserving individuals can find themselves on the sidelines. However, Samson's talent and determination suggest that he will continue to fight for his place in the Indian team.

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has expressed his belief that Hardik Pandya should not be disheartened by his exclusion from leadership roles in Team India. Uthappa believes that the decision was made with Pandya's long-term interests in mind."If I was in Hardik's place, I would feel taken care of to a certain extent," Uthappa said in an interview with NDTV. "If I am 34 or 35 years old, and I am someone who has been injury-prone throughout my career, and a certain responsibility has been taken away from me with the mindset of extending my career, it has given me the best chance of offering my service to my country, for as long as possible."Uthappa emphasized that the absence of captaincy responsibilities could prolong Pandya's international career. "Knowing Hardik Pandya on a certain level personally, I would say he'll be someone saying 'fine, their perspective is also right'. They want a player of my quality and caliber to serve the country for as long as possible, I would love to do that as well," Uthappa added."If you ask me between the two what would I pick, I would say representing my country and winning as many world cup championships, irrespective of the fact whether I am the captain or just a player," Uthappa continued.Pandya's exclusion from leadership roles was attributed to his fitness and availability concerns, according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar. However, Uthappa believes that the decision was ultimately made to protect Pandya's long-term health and performance."I think it's a great decision for Hardik Pandya," Uthappa said. "It's a great decision for Indian cricket. It's a great decision for the future of Indian cricket. I think it's a great decision for Hardik Pandya's career."Pandya is currently part of India's squad for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Virat Kohli's Transformation: From Brash Youngster to Mature LeaderFormer India spinner Amit Mishra's recent comments on Virat Kohli have ignited a heated debate about the star batter's personality and relationships. Mishra claimed that Kohli's immense fame and power have altered his demeanor, leading to a strained relationship between them.However, Kohli's supporters have rallied to his defense, including former India batter Robin Uthappa. Uthappa hailed Kohli's evolution from a "brash young Delhi boy" to a "mature human being." He praised Kohli's unwavering self-belief and hard work, which have paid dividends over the years.Uthappa's sentiments were echoed by Punjab Kings batter Shashank Singh, who shared an anecdote from the IPL. Singh described a 40-minute conversation with Kohli, during which the latter generously shared his knowledge and insights on cricket. Singh was impressed by Kohli's approachability and willingness to help others.Kohli's transformation has been evident on and off the field. As a player, he has matured into a world-class batsman, known for his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Off the field, he has become a respected leader and role model, using his platform to advocate for social causes.While Mishra's comments may have sparked controversy, they have also highlighted the complexities of Kohli's personality. He is a driven and ambitious individual who has achieved extraordinary success. However, his intense focus and competitive nature may have sometimes come across as aloof or arrogant.Ultimately, it is up to each individual to form their own opinion on Virat Kohli. Whether they view him as a changed person or a mature leader, there is no denying his immense talent and contributions to Indian cricket.

In the thrilling finale of the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham, a heartwarming display of sportsmanship unfolded between former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and India Champions wicket-keeper Robin Uthappa.Misbah, who had scored 18 runs off 15 balls, was forced to retire hurt due to an injury. As he struggled to leave the field, Uthappa stepped forward and offered his shoulder as support. This act of camaraderie, amidst the intense rivalry, touched the hearts of fans worldwide.The broadcaster captured the moment on video, sharing it with the caption: "Spirit of Cricket moment in Birmingham." The video highlights the essence of sportsmanship that transcends competition.The match itself was a testament to the enduring spirit of cricket. Pakistan Champions, led by Shoaib Malik's 41 runs, posted a competitive total of 156 for 6. India Champions' bowlers, particularly Anureet Singh with three wickets, kept Pakistan in check.In response, India Champions chased down the target with ease, thanks to a solid batting performance. The match showcased the skills of legendary players like Misbah, Malik, and Irfan Pathan.Beyond the cricketing action, the final served as a reminder of the values that make cricket a beloved sport. The sportsmanship displayed by Uthappa and the camaraderie between the players enriched the experience for fans.This match not only provided entertainment but also underscored the enduring spirit of cricket, where competition and sportsmanship coexist harmoniously.