'Take a bow, Robbie' - Netizens react as Robin Uthappa notches up fiery 26-ball half-century

Former India batter Robin Uthappa was on fire when he took the field on Monday, January 16, while representing the Dubai Capitals at the inaugural International League T20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium against Gulf Giants. The wicketkeeper-batter opened the batting for his side and racked up 10 fours and two sixes to pile up 79 runs off 46 deliveries, handing the Capitals a perfect start.

Gulf Giants won the toss and skipper James Vince put the Rovman Powell-led Capitals to bat first. Uthappa started the proceedings for Dubai Capitals alongside England’s Joe Root. The former English red-ball skipper played the role of a second fiddle as Uthappa kept finding the gaps on regular intervals, and got off to a huge start.

After hitting Sanchit Sharma for a four and a huge six in the second over, Uthappa smashed three fours and a six when Sanchit returned to bowl in the fifth over, and amassed 21 runs off that over. On the final over of the powerplay, Uthappa hit two back-to-back fours off Chris Jordan’s delivery and managed to complete his half-century off mere 26 deliveries.

Dubai Capitals finished their powerplay at 62/0, with Uthappa being unbeaten on a 29-ball 57. It was late in the 12^th over when David Wiese sent Uthappa packing. The opening batter went for a big shot and slammed the ball towards long-on, but the Gulf Giants had placed Jordan exactly there, as the tall pacer took a brilliant catch.

Robin Uthappa walked back scoring a 46-ball 79 and batted at a strike rate of 171.74. He shared a 71-run partnership with Joe Root, but was the key contributor as he scored 64 runs off the 71. The brilliant start provided by him prompted skipper Rovman Powell to keep the momentum going, as the tall West Indian piled up runs to keep the scorecard ticking. 

Powell and Uthappa shared a 43-run stand for the second wicket before the latter walked off, but the knock surely handed Dubai Capitals a dream start to their innings. The Capitals are already backed with a win in the tournament as they won their campaign opener, and they’ll be hoping to win the ongoing game as well.

Here's how Twitter reacted:

A brilliant innings by @robbieuthappa some sensational shots on display pic.twitter.com/E15dDxGVef

— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) January 16, 2023

First 5⃣0⃣ of the season for Robin Uthappa ❤️💙

Take a bow, Robbie 🫡#DCvGG #DPWorldILT20 #SoarHighDubai #WeAreCapitals | @robbieuthappa pic.twitter.com/hvRikZBvh5

— Dubai Capitals (@Dubai_Capitals) January 16, 2023

Robin Uthappa smashed a fantastic half century.#CricTracker #ILT20Official #DubaiCapitals #RobinUthappa #GulfGiants #DCPvsGLG pic.twitter.com/ItBXXzrrjs

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) January 16, 2023

26 ball fifty for Robin Uthappa in ILT20, he has been in brilliant form in UAE. pic.twitter.com/TWewW0yDpT

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 16, 2023

Robin Uthappa scored 79 in 46 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20.

A great innings by Robbie!

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 16, 2023

Well played, Robin Uthappa. He played a brilliant innings in ILT20 league. He smashed 79 runs from 46 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes for Dubai Capitals. Brilliant innings from Uthappa. pic.twitter.com/leavtuosot

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) January 16, 2023

Robin Uthappa in ILT20 :

79(46) | 4s - 10 | 6s - 2
43(33) | 4s - 3 | 6s - 2#WhistlePodu | #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/q0VNjMY0YJ

— CSK Fans Army™ (@CSKFansArmy) January 16, 2023

Robin Uthappa scored 79 in 46 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20.

A great innings by Robbie! pic.twitter.com/iNI0eyRvfV

— Manohar Cricketer (@Manohar48_) January 16, 2023

Robin Uthappa Scored 79 Runs In 46 Balls With 10 Fours & 2 Sixes For Dubai Capitals In the ILT20.

A Great Innings By Robin Uthappa!! #RobinUthappa #ILT20Leauge

— Krish Sheth (@krishsheth2006) January 16, 2023

Classic innings by Robin Uthappa, He smashed 79 off 46 balls, including 10 fours and 2 sixes, played well for Dubai Capitals. #ILT20 pic.twitter.com/cwfqdm1z2p

— Resanth. (@Cric_Resanth) January 16, 2023

Robin Uthappa still has some cricket left in him , why did he retire from Indian cricket 🤔

— GD (@gauti3131) January 16, 2023

57 Inside first six over for Robin Uthappa ❤️ legend

— Rashid khan (@Rashidullah196) January 16, 2023

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