Robin Uthappa retirement - A look back at cricket career

Robin Uthappa has announced his retirement from all forms of international and Indian cricket. He took to social media to announce this heartbreaking news to his fans. The flamboyant batsman who has represented India at both junior and senior levels has also been part of various successful IPL teams. He has obtained the No Objection Certificate(NOC) from Kerala State Association (the last state he played for) and will be available to take up exciting opportunities in overseas T20 leagues.

Robin Uthappa – A Career of Ups and Downs

Uthappa, who has represented India in 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is said that it has been his greatest honour to represent the country and his state. He also specially thanked the IPL franchises, KKR, and CSK for all the wonderful memories and the support that he and his family has received over the years.

It has been my greatest honour to represent my country and my state, Karnataka. However, all good things must come to an end, and with a grateful heart, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket.

Thank you all ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GvWrIx2NRs

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) September 14, 2022

Robin Uthappa’s professional cricket career started in 2002-03 with his state team Karnataka. In 2004, he represented India in the Under-19 World Cup and then went back to the domestic circuit to prove his worth. Consistent performance in the domestic circuit led to his selection for the India-B side in 2005 in the challenger trophy. There he impressed everyone with his fearless strokeplay and earned his national call-up in 2006, replacing an injured Virender Sehwag.

He also featured in the Indian team that won the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007. But a poor run of form in 2007-08 led to him being dropped from the national setup later that year. In the subsequent years, he represented various IPL teams including Mumbai Indians (2008), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2009-2010), and Pune Warriors India (2011-2013).

Robin Uthappa 2.0 – The Return of the T20 Specialist

The 2013-14 season saw the return of Robin Uthappa. He had a brilliant domestic season for Karnataka that year and achieved the rare feat of winning the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, and Vijay Hazare Trophy in the same year. To follow that up, he carried the entire KKR batting unit in the 2014 season to their 2nd title win. He ended up as the orange cap holder for that season and was just the second Indian batsman after Sachin to achieve that feat.

His impressive numbers in the 2013-14 season was rewarded with a national call-up for the Bangladesh series. He scored a 50 in that series but was dropped again from the team later on. Despite not being able to break into the Indian team, he impressed in almost all the chances that he got in the IPL. He was the mainstay for KKR from 2014 to 2019. In the 2020 season, he was picked up by Rajasthan, but he couldn’t make a mark in that franchise. They traded him to CSK in 2021, and there he impressed in whatever chances he got, proving to be a good replacement for Suresh Raina, who was unavailable for various reasons.

Now that he has called his time on International and cricket in India. One thing is almost certain. He will be looking to take up exciting opportunities in the ever-so-expanding overseas franchise T20 leagues.

Robin Uthappa – Career Stats

FORMAT	Mat	Inns	Runs	HS	Ave	SR	100s	50s
ODI	46	42	934	86	25.94	90.59	0	6
T20I	13	12	249	50	24.9	118	0	1
FC	142	238	9446	162	40.71		22	52
List A	203	197	6534	169	35.31	94.5	16	33
T20	291	282	7272	92	28.18	133.08	0	42