Cricket

Robin Uthappa's Emotional Tribute to India's T20 World Cup TriumphFormer Indian batter Robin Uthappa has expressed his heartfelt emotions in a moving tribute to the Indian team's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Uthappa, who was part of India's maiden T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007, couldn't control his tears as he recalled the struggles and hardships faced by the players in the past year.India's triumph in Barbados ended a 13-year wait for an ICC title. However, the journey to the top was not without its challenges. The team had lost back-to-back finals in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup.Uthappa, in a discussion with veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, highlighted the constant trolling and criticism that each player had to endure. "I was so full of emotions, you would've found me in tears," Uthappa said. "I went through each player individually, and what they have been through. I apologize in advance if I get emotional on this show, but when you go through each player individually, and what they've been through over the past 4-5 years -- trolling, criticism -- and you've been part of it as well, so you know what it feels like."Uthappa emphasized that every cricketer in India faces harsh trolling and criticism at some point in their careers. "I could feel the emotions of each player individually," he said. "I cried for the first 20 minutes after the victory. I went and bowed before god, saying thank you. As a cricketer who has represented India, thank you. This victory was so special because it was long incoming."Uthappa also praised the role of coach Rahul Dravid, who he described as an "absolute mentor." "We say a 50-year-old man celebrate like a kid when the World Cup trophy was given to him," Uthappa said. "This is the beauty of the sport. I am so grateful to god for everyone. All of the players deserve to win the World Cup."

Virat Kohli's recent struggles as an opening batter in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 have sparked a heated debate about his form and role within the Indian team. Traditionally a No. 3 batter, Kohli has faced calls to move down the batting order and allow someone like Rishabh Pant to take his place alongside skipper Rohit Sharma.However, veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that such a move would not damage Kohli's confidence. Ashwin, who is not part of India's squad for the T20 World Cup, feels that if Kohli is moved down to the No. 3 spot, he might get pumped up and prove his doubters wrong."There is no chance for a player like Virat Kohli to damage his confidence. He will say, 'you brought me down to number 3, I will show you who I am.' That's how he will bat, first of all. I am saying this because I know him," Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.Despite Kohli's poor performances in the three matches he has played at the T20 World Cup, the question of him being dropped from the playing XI does not arise. Former India batter Robin Uthappa, who has had the chance to observe Kohli's physiology, feels that the man is still oozing with confidence."Virat Kohli's physiology, after the previous match, I saw a glimpse of it. Maybe five seconds. Him interacting with some of the players and talking to the support staff. When you see his physiology, you can tell that man is exuding supreme confidence. And that comes from a place of knowing about his own game and the confidence in his own ability. So, he knows that this is just a blip in the radar," Uthappa said during the chat with Ashwin.Kohli's struggles have coincided with India's poor start to the T20 World Cup. The team has lost two of its three matches and is in danger of being eliminated from the tournament. However, Ashwin believes that Kohli's experience and leadership will be crucial for India's chances of turning things around."Virat Kohli is a big player. He has been a big player for India for a long time. He has won many matches for India. He is a match-winner. So, I don't think we should be worried about him. He will come good," Ashwin said.

MS Dhoni's IPL Future Remains Uncertain, But Uthappa Believes He Can ContinueFormer Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa has expressed his belief that franchise icon MS Dhoni may continue to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) beyond this season. Dhoni's IPL future has been the subject of speculation in recent years due to injuries that have limited his participation in the tournament.As CSK faced Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a crucial match that could determine their playoff fate, many believed that the game might be Dhoni's last in the IPL if they failed to reach the playoffs. However, even after the conclusion of the match, clarity on Dhoni's future remains elusive.Uthappa, who played alongside Dhoni for CSK, believes that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter can extend his IPL career beyond this season. "Is this MS's last run? I don't think so, personally, I don't think so," Uthappa said before the match. "But, do they want to spoil RCB's party? Definitely. Ruturaj, I think, would want to get to the knockout stage in his first season as captain. That will be a huge confidence booster for him and for CSK. It's one for the long run. Let's see where that goes."To replace CSK in the top four, RCB needed to win the match by at least 18 runs if they scored a minimum of 200 runs batting first or win in 18.1 overs if they were chasing 200. They eventually won by 27 runs and qualified for the playoffs, while CSK were knocked out of the playoff race.Dhoni's future with CSK and the IPL remains uncertain, but Uthappa's comments suggest that the veteran player may not be ready to hang up his boots just yet.

Despite Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) disappointing exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa and Australian all-rounder Shane Watson believe that MS Dhoni will return to the tournament next season.Dhoni, who played through a knee injury, showcased impressive form throughout the season, scoring 161 runs at an average of 53.66 and a strike rate of 220.54. However, his efforts were not enough to secure a playoff spot for CSK, as they lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a crucial game.Uthappa expressed his confidence in Dhoni's return, stating, "I don't think we have seen the last of MS. He is not someone who takes these things lightly. He will come back roaring for sure." He also shed light on Dhoni's injury, explaining that the veteran cricketer had been managing a calf injury that was more serious than initially thought.Watson echoed Uthappa's sentiments, expressing his hope to see Dhoni continue in the IPL for at least another one or two years. "He batted beautifully again. There is no doubt that he can fulfill a very important role for CSK, even if it's coming in and facing 13-15 balls each game and doing this. He played incredibly well. Fingers crossed, MSD can roll out again for at least one or two more years, fulfilling this role which is a little less demanding physically on him anyway," Watson said.Dhoni's commitment was evident in his last match, where he played a valiant knock of 25 off 13 deliveries, falling in the final over of the chase. His ability to adapt and still contribute significantly underlines his importance to the team.Dhoni had stepped down as CSK captain ahead of the 2024 season, handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad after leading the team to five IPL titles. His presence, both on and off the field, continues to be a cornerstone for CSK, and fans, along with cricketing greats, are hopeful to see him in action again next season.

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has sparked a debate by suggesting that senior players should have stepped aside to make way for young talents in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Uthappa believes that the ongoing IPL 2024 has showcased the exceptional abilities of young cricketers, and their exclusion from the World Cup squad is a missed opportunity.Uthappa specifically cited the examples of Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, who have consistently performed well in the IPL but were not selected for the World Cup. He argued that the senior players should have retired after the 2022 T20 World Cup, allowing the team to focus on developing and nurturing young talent."I think they should've moved on after the previous World Cup itself," Uthappa said. "I think the youngsters should've played in this World Cup. The senior players have had their go, and these guys are showing true potential."Uthappa's comments have sparked a discussion about the balance between experience and youth in the Indian cricket team. While senior players bring stability and leadership, young players often possess the energy, adaptability, and fearlessness that can be crucial in high-pressure tournaments like the World Cup.The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, will face a tough challenge in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. The tournament will be held in the West Indies and the United States, and India will be looking to improve upon their performance in the 2022 edition, where they were eliminated in the semi-finals.Whether Uthappa's suggestion to prioritize youth over experience will be adopted by the team management remains to be seen. However, his comments have certainly highlighted the importance of developing and integrating young talent into the Indian cricket team.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season nears its conclusion, speculation about the retirement of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has intensified. However, former India and CSK cricketer Robin Uthappa believes that Dhoni is not ready to call it quits just yet.Speaking on JioCinema, Uthappa addressed the retirement rumors head-on. "Coming to CSK, is this MS's last run? I don't think so, personally, I don't think so," Uthappa remarked. He added that Dhoni's presence is crucial for CSK's long-term success, especially with Ruturaj Gaikwad taking over as captain.The match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday is a crucial one for both teams, with playoff spots on the line. CSK currently sits fourth in the standings with 14 points from 13 games, while RCB is sixth with 12 points from 13 matches. A win for CSK would secure their place in the playoffs, whereas RCB need a victory and favorable outcomes in other games to keep their hopes alive.This season, Dhoni has demonstrated his continued value to the team, scoring 161 runs in 10 innings with a striking rate of 226.66. Despite his age, Dhoni has shown that he can still deliver impactful performances in short bursts.The anticipation for this match is heightened by the face-off between two of India’s cricketing giants, Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Kohli has been in exceptional form for RCB this season, accumulating 661 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 155.16. His tally includes a century and five half-centuries, positioning him at the top of the Orange Cap race.Despite the swirling rumors, Uthappa's confidence in Dhoni's continuation offers a glimmer of hope for CSK fans who are eager to see more of their legendary captain.

Hardik Pandya's struggles as captain of the Mumbai Indians have raised concerns about his mental well-being, according to former India star Robin Uthappa. Uthappa believes that the constant criticism and mockery Pandya has faced has taken a toll on his mental health."The mocking, trolling, the memes about his fitness. You don't think it hurts him? It hurts him. It hurts any human being. How many people actually know the reality of it? Hardik is dealing with mental health issues, for sure," Uthappa said on the Ranveer Show.Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram also expressed concern about Pandya's situation. Akram believes that the relentless criticism Pandya has faced in India is a problem that needs to be addressed."This is the problem in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. We never forget. We tell our kids that when Pandya's kid is born, you have to remind him why he became captain 20 years ago. We don't move on," Akram said on Sportskeeda.Akram urged fans to be more supportive of Pandya, who he believes is still capable of leading Mumbai Indians to success."I think fans need to be a little calm. At the end of the day, he is your player. He plays for Mumbai Indians, and he is the one who can make you win. They still can qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs. There is no point booing your own player. You can criticize a little bit, but move on," Akram said.Regarding the captaincy change in Mumbai Indians, Akram said: "In franchise cricket, such things happen. Look at how CSK took the captaincy decision for the long run, and maybe, even they (MI) had the same idea. This was not a personal decision, but in my view, Rohit Sharma should have continued as captain for one more year. Perhaps, next year, Hardik Pandya could have been the captain."

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has endured a dismal IPL 2024 campaign, suffering a narrow one-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. This defeat marked their seventh loss in eight matches, leaving them languishing at the bottom of the points table.Despite boasting a loyal fanbase and a roster of star players, RCB has consistently failed to lift the IPL trophy. Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes the franchise needs to rectify its strategy by bringing back some of the match-winners they have let go over the years.Uthappa's primary recommendation is to re-acquire star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who is currently the most successful bowler in IPL history. RCB released Chahal after the 2021 season, and he has since joined Rajasthan Royals."I would do anything to bring Yuzi back from RR," Uthappa said. "I would even bring Harshal Patel back and prepare wickets that are conducive for bowlers to succeed."Uthappa also highlighted the need for RCB to retain their big players, citing the departures of Shivam Dube and Devdutt Padikkal as examples of players who have flourished with other franchises."RCB has let go of so many talented domestic players," Uthappa said. "They need to invest more in bowling and the middle order, and they need to sustain their faith in their players."Uthappa pointed out that RCB has used a staggering 25 players in this IPL season alone, indicating a lack of stability in the team."RCB needs to make it harder for opponents to score runs," Uthappa said. "They need to exercise more faith in their players and create a more consistent team."

Gujarat Titans' (GT) recent 3-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has sparked praise for Shubman Gill, with former cricketer Robin Uthappa predicting a bright future for the 24-year-old.Gill's 35-run knock from 29 balls against PBKS showcased his maturity and leadership qualities, according to Uthappa. "He's a gift for Indian cricket," Uthappa said on Jio Cinema. "He's maturing into an all-time great and a prolific leader who will lead not just his IPL side, but also the Indian team in the near future."Uthappa commended Gill's approach to the innings, noting that he paced himself well to ensure GT's success. "He went about his innings the right way," Uthappa said. "He needed someone to play more aggressively at the end to take pressure off him."GT's victory was also aided by a fine spell from Sai Kishore, who claimed 4/33 to restrict PBKS to 142 in their 20 overs. Despite contributions from Sam Curran (20), Prabhsimran Singh (35), Harpreet Brar (29), and Harpreet Singh (14), PBKS failed to capitalize on their momentum.GT's chase faced some hiccups, but knocks from Rahul Tewatia (36*), Gill (35), and Sai Sudharsan (31) guided the team to victory with three wickets and five balls to spare. Harshal Patel (3/15) was the standout bowler for PBKS, while Sai Kishore was named Player of the Match.With this win, GT moved to sixth place in the standings with four wins and four losses, while PBKS remained in ninth place with two wins and six losses.