Robin Uthappa all set to play for Saurashtra in Ranji Trophy this season

Karnataka born batsman Robin Uthappa is all set to call it quits with the state’s Ranji team this season and is currently in talks with Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) to be a part of their team in the upcoming season. The 31-year-old stepped down as a Karnataka player after the team dropped him for a significant number of matches in their last Ranji campaign.

A key player and an integral cog of the Karnataka state team, Uthappa was associated with them for almost a decade and a half. However, the right hander had applied for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) which was granted it to him in June, earlier this year.

Uthappa is expected to fly to Saurashtra soon to discuss his potential association with the team. Earlier, it was widely reported that the right-hander might play for Kerala after he received the NOC from KSCA, but it now looks like he is looking to go further north. Saurashtra is already missing their marquee players Ravindra Jadeja and Cheteshwar Pujara due to their national commitments. Thus, Uthappa’s arrival will be an aid to fill in the void and get a consolidated spot in the playing XI.

Uthappa wants to play for a different outfit

Speaking to Ahmedabad Mirror, SCA media manager Himanshu Shah said, “We have received the application but we haven’t confirmed him as our player yet. The association will take a call at a later stage after discussing with the parties concerned like the coach and captain.”

On the other hand, KSCA secretary Sudhakar Rao stated, “We had two meetings with him but we couldn’t convince him to stay. He had his own plans. ‘I’ve played here; now I want to play elsewhere,’ is what he said. We tried to retain him. But we can’t force anybody. He has reached this level only because of this state. The final decision was his. Wherever he goes, our best wishes are always with him. He is our boy.”