India’s World Cup Winner Robin Uthappa Calls It Time

Former India batter Robin Uthappa on Wednesday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 36-year-old Indian cricketer played 46 ODIs for India and scored 934 runs. The attacking batter also played in 13 T20Is, scoring 249 runs for his team. Incidentally, the Karnataka batter announced his retirement decision on Twitter. 

One of the highly talented batters, Uthappa, plays with aggressive intent and a positive approach. He was part of the early bunch of players groomed under the then skipper and future legend MS Dhoni. The right-handed batter was part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup that was held in South Africa in 2007. He also played a crucial role in the CB Series that India won in Down Under in 2008.  

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

Robin Uthappa and IPL Through the Years

Interestingly, the aggressive opener is a three-time IPL winner. He was a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders’ team that won the title in 2012 and 2014. The opener also played a prominent part in the Chennai Super Kings team that bagged the champion’s honour in 2021. 

One of his major contributions to international cricket was his 50-run knock against Pakistan in the group match of the 2007 T20 World Cup. He also returned to hit the stumps in a bowl-out as the match ended in a tie, but later resulted in an Indian win.

The aggressive Indian batter is also the ninth-highest run-getter in IPL history. The solid campaigner scored 4952 runs from 205 matches with 27 fifties in the cash-rich league. The dashing star debuted in 2006 and hit a solid fifty in his ODI debut against England. The aggressive opener also produced several memorable knocks, especially against England in the Natwest series 2007. 

However, luck turned against Uthappa as lost his spot on the side after Gautam Gambhir became a regular member of the Indian side. His run-a-ball 16 knock and century stand with Rohit Sharma, who hit a double ton against Sri Lanka, is one contribution that stands in the memory of many cricket fans. A fine analyst of the game, one may likely see the star batter take up cricket commentary roles soon.