The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : My best is yet to come: Uthappa

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Tuesday, Feb 06, 2007
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My best is yet to come: Uthappa

Bangalore: Two blazing knocks in the home series against the West Indies may have catapulted Robin Uthappa into serious contention for a World Cup berth, but the Karnataka opener says he has much more to offer.

Uthappa said he had worked a lot on his batting in the past year. "I've just played two games after I've come back into the side. There is lot more to my game than what people have just seen," Uthappa said.

The World Cup squad will be announced after the first two matches against Sri Lanka but Uthappa hopes to take it one game at a time and not worry too much about the future.

"I think it's important for a person just to worry about the present. When you are thinking of the future you are inviting unnecessary pressure." he said.

Uthappa has been selected in the list of 30 probables and will have to wait till February 12 to know whether he would board the plane to the West Indies for the mega event to be held in March-April.

"These are very important games before the World Cup. I think it will be a huge confidence booster for all of us if we win," he said.

More consistent

Uthappa's temperament was often seen as a drawback in the past but he says that he has overcome that problem now.

"I've worked hard on it and I'm pleased with my fair amount of consistency this season. As a team, Karnataka worked very hard and I enjoyed the responsibility and made sure that I performed in every game I played," said Uthappa who scored 854 runs in seven Ranji matches.

He felt that his ability to keep wickets was an advantage as the team could depend on him in case it is required.

"I have enjoyed keeping. I still do it on and off. I kept during my under-19 days as well. I enjoyed keeping as it is a very interesting part of the game," he said.

Son of Venu Uthappa, an international hockey umpire, Robin said although hockey was in his blood, cricket came more naturally.

"I enjoyed cricket a lot as a child. It came as something natural to me than hockey and I enjoyed my cricket. I always loved picking up a bat than a racquet or a stick," he said.

Having forced his way into the Indian team, how does it feel?

"It is a big honour and privilege for me to play for the country. It's always been a dream for me," he added. — PTI

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