3. ROBIN UTHAPPA
This Karnataka opener who took the world by storm byscoring a scintillating 86 on his ODI debut in 2006 was gradually fading away till 2014, when a good Ranji trophy season and a successful IPL turned his fortunes around. His IPL career has always been a satisfying one. During his association with RCB, he was entrusted with the dual role of finishing the innings and keeping the wickets as they had no regular keeper. He reposed that faith by winning matches for his side consistently. He then moved to PWI, wherein he played as an opener alongside Jesse Ryder.
Season 7 was the turning phase of his career, as he guided KKR to the championship almost single handedly by recording 10 consecutive 40+ scores and winning the orange cap. Many believe that it is Praveen Amre’s guidance that has redefined this previously careless ‘walking assassin’.
With Robbie, you get a decent keeper, a stylish batsman and a keen learner who loves to grab challenges.
IPL stats: Batting- `112 matches, 107 innings, 2,736 runs,HS-83, Avg.-29.42, S/R- 127.08, 13 50s, 4s-264, 6s-92.
Wicket Keeping- 35 catches, 20 stumpings.
