Robin Uthappa picks the best captain he has played under

Robin Uthappa had a great time with the bat during his stint at Kolkata Knight Riders. He was bought by the franchise ahead of the 2014 IPL season. In that season, Uthappa scored 660 runs at an average of 44 and a strike rate of 138. His performance with the bat helped his side lift the trophy. He then played under Gautam Gambhir for three more seasons, in 2015, 2016, 2017. Uthappa had almost revived his career during his stay at the KKR and also found a way back into the Indian side for a few matches.

But, for someone who has played his international cricket under captains like Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni, you would hope that they would have been the player’s favourite captain. However, Robin Uthappa would not say that. In a recent interview, Uthappa revealed who was the best captain he has ever played under.

Robin Uthappa picks Gambhir as the best captain he has played under

“Gauti, for me, stood out. Even though he doesn’t speak much, he communicates just what is enough, and you know that you’re in a good place. Good leaders make you feel secure, then they let you be, and you see that in their results as a captain,” Uthappa told ESPNCricinfo when he was asked about the best captain he has played under.

Once, Gambhir decided to leave the KKR, the franchise stuck with the experienced wicketkeeper. Uthappa played the next two seasons under Dinesh Karthik before he was released ahead of the auctions this year. Rajasthan Royals secured the services of the IPL veteran for INR 3 Crores. In 177 IPL matches, Uthappa has scored 4411 runs with 24 scores of fifty-plus.

When he was asked about his new IPL franchise, Uthappa expressed his excitement. He said he is looking forward to meeting the foreign recruits of the Royals’ franchise including the captain, Steve Smith. “I am genuinely looking forward to meeting and spending time with Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Oshane Thomas, Tom Curran and others because it’s only when guys come together, and set the common goal of wanting to win, and that desire is vehemently expressed, you know that it is going to come through”, the 34-year-old said.

Uthappa also said that he is looking to adapt to a new role as the finisher, something which he isn’t used to doing.