'I honestly believe I have a World Cup left in me' - Robin Uthappa eager to make his national comeback

Robin Uthappa was a rising star back in 2005 when he burst out on the scene. After his initial exploits for the Indian team, he was someone who was looked upon to have a bright future in international cricket. But, in 2008 he was dropped from the Indian squad and since then, he hasn’t ever featured for national side regularly.

Recently while talking about his future and his ambitions, Uthappa said that he believes he can play another World Cup for India. He said he wanted to be competitive and he stills has the fire to play for India.

“Right now I want to be competitive. I still have that fire burning in me, I really want to compete and do well,” Uthappa said to ESPNcricinfo during an interview.

“I honestly believe I have a World Cup left in me, so I’m pursuing that, especially the shortest format. The blessings of Lady Luck or God or whatever you call it plays a massive factor”, he added.

‘I can be a part of a World Cup-winning team’: Robin Uthappa

“Especially in India, it becomes so much more evident. I don’t think it is as evident when you’re playing cricket outside of India. But in the subcontinent and India especially, with the amount of talent that we do have in our country, all of those aspects become evident,” the 34-year-old further added.

Uthappa also said that one shouldn’t stop believing in their ability. He says once you start doing that, that’s you been unfair on yourself. He also said that if someone has the belief in their ability there will be an outside chance always. “You can never write yourself off. You would be unfair to yourself if you write yourself off. Especially if you believe you have the ability and you know that there is an outside chance. So I still believe in that outside chance”

Uthappa, who was the part of the Indian squad which won the inaugural ICC World T20 in 2007, said that he still believes that he can be a part of another such successful team. He said that his dream of winning a world cup is still alive.

“I still believe that things can go my way and I probably can be a part of a World Cup-winning team and play an integral role in that as well. Those dreams are still alive and I think I’ll keep playing cricket till that is alive”, the former KKR player said.

Robin Uthappa has been signed up by Rajasthan Royals for 2020 IPL season. He is one of the most successful batsmen in IPL history. In 177 matches, he has scored 4411 runs at a strike rate of 130.5. He has represented Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Pune Warriors India (now defunct) and Kolkata Knight Riders.