Robin Uthappa, the former Karnataka cricketer, has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket. The explosive right-handed batter, who last represented India in 2015, made the announcement on his official Twitter handle.
Uthappa has obtained a no-objection Certificate (NOC) from Kerala, the last state he played for in the domestic circuit and will be free to take up assignments in overseas T20 tournaments.
“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,” Uthappa captioned his post on Wednesday.
The 36-year-old stylish batter played 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is for Team India and was part of the side that lifted the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 in South Africa under the leadership of MS Dhoni.
Interestingly, Uthappa has played all 15 seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing as many as six teams: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Mumbai Indians (MI), Pune Warriors India, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Overall, the Coorg-born cricketer accumulated 4952 runs in 205 IPL games, at a strike rate of 130.35 and an average of 27.51.
While announcing the retirement, Uthappa shared a lengthy statement in which he thanked BCCI, Karnataka Cricket Association, other state cricket bodies, his family, friends, IPL franchises, teammates and fans.
“It’s been 20 years since I started playing professional cricket, and it has been the greatest honour to represent my country and state, Karnataka – a wonderful journey full of ups and downs; one that has been fulfilling, rewarding, enjoyable, and has allowed me to grow as a human being. 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. While I will spend significant time with my young family, I look forward to charting a new phase in my life. I take this opportunity to thank the President, Secretary and the office bearers of the BCCI for their support and encouragement throughout my cricket career,” Uthappa wrote in his statement.
“I would also like to thank Karnataka State Cricket Association, Saurashtra Cricket Association and Kerala Cricket Association for the honour of representing the respective states during the course of my career. Further, I would like to express my gratitude to the IPL teams I represented – MI, RCB, PWI and RR. A special mention to KKR & CSK for all the wonderful memories and support my family and | received during my time with them – something I will always cherish. I would like to thank my parents and sister for allowing me to pursue my passion and for all the sacrifices they made for me while growing up, enabling me to succeed in my chosen field. To my coaches, mentors and guides for their guidance and support through the years that have brought me this far, a big thank you,” the statement added.
