(Cricket news) Robin Uthappa was one of India’s early superstars whose fearless batting made him a name in the shortest format of the game. Uthappa made his debut for the national team against England who were touring India for the 7 match ODI series. He played in the final ODI as an opener along with Rahul Dravid, they both had a partnership of 166 runs where Uthappa scored a brilliant 86 which included 12 fours and a six. He went on to represent India in 46 matches at the 50 over format and last played a match in 2015 against Zimbabwe.

Uthappa was the first player from India to score a half century in T20 internationals in just the third game for the nation. India first played a T20 in 2006 against South Africa and the second game was a year later at the T20 World Cup against Scotland but it was washed out. Finally in the third game against Pakistan which ended in a thrilling tie saw Uthappa score a half century in 39 balls and famously took his cap in celebration in the bowl out. He was the third bowler from the team who was used in the only bowl out in an ICC T20 match.

Uthappa’s another famous innings came at the Oval where India was trailing the series 2-3 and England were on their way to win the series as the score was 234-4 when Uthappa walked in with the team needing 83 runs from 57 balls. MS Dhoni was also on the crease as he departed when the team still needed 23 in 2 overs with four wickets remaining and Ajit Agarkar came to bat. In the second last over which was bowled by James Anderson, India scored 13 runs as Uthappa found the boundaries in pressure and 10 runs were needed in the last over. Stuart Broad was brought in when Uthappa flicked one behind on the legside for a four in the third ball and hit one straight down the ground for a thrilling victory as India leveled the series 3-3.

Uthappa was also known for walking and hitting pace bowlers, normally a batter would use his feet quickly in coming down the pitch but he would simply take two or three steps and then smash one over the bowler's head. Against Australia in the T20 World Cup, Uthappa walked down the pitch and hit Mitchell Johnson for a 102 metre six. Uthappa then went on to feature in the IPL and has played in every season, scoring 4722 runs in 193 matches. He was the orange cap holder in the 2014 season scoring 660 runs in 16 matches for Kolkota Knight Riders. The T20 format will always be a game to watch when there are fearless batters like Robin Uthappa at the crease.

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