Robin Uthappa reveals why he wanted to leave KKR after IPL 2014 win

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) cricketer Robin Uthappa has made a surprising revelation, he wanted to leave the franchise right after helping them win the IPL title in 2014. Uthappa, who was bought for INR 5 crore at the 2014 IPL auction, admitted that his decision was driven by a desire to maximise his earnings. He hoped to be released by KKR despite his standout season.

The wicketkeeper-batter had joined KKR after the BCCI terminated Pune Warriors India (PWI) and placed its players in the auction. Teaming up with skipper Gautam Gambhir, Uthappa formed a formidable top-order partnership. He amassed 660 runs at an average of 44, winning the Orange Cap that year. KKR went on to lift the IPL 2014 trophy, defeating Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) at Eden Gardens.

“After Pune Warriors India, I went to KKR for Rs 5 crore. After my big year (with the bat), we won the IPL (2014) and I got the Orange Cap, I wanted to be released. I wanted to go back to the auction. I wanted to maximise the opportunity to earn more. To be honest, how much longer are you gonna play? Till 35, 36. And I was already 29 by then. So, I wanted to maximise my earnings,” Uthappa said on the ‘KimAppa’ show by Jarrod Kimber on YouTube.

Uthappa, who earned INR 5 crore at KKR, sought to maximise his earnings, but a move could not materialise as the franchise exercised their right to retain him. The opener went on to score 4952 runs in 205 IPL matches.

“I went and had a conversation with the leadership group at KKR. They denied and said we can’t let you go. We want you to play for us. We want you to play for us for a long time. And then I had a conversation with them and there was no way I could’ve earned more than Rs 5 crore based on the contract at that point. So I let it go. I just wanted to try and it was worth having a conversation,” Uthappa said.