Robin Uthappa traded to CSK

Rajasthan Royals batsman Robin Uthappa will now play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2021 edition – after being traded out in an all cash deal.

Uthappa had a very dismal season last year which improved a tad bit when he began to open the innings for Royals. He scored 196 runs in 12 matches at an average of 16.33 at a strike rate of 119.51.

The 35 year old batsman has previously played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Pune Warriors India, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. Royals bought him for 3 crore INR at auction last year.

“I really enjoyed my year at the Royals and had a great time being part of this franchise. I am now excited for the next part of my cricketing journey joining CSK for IPL 2021”, Uthappa said in a press release.

Robin was a part of Indian World T20 team in 2007 which went on to win the tournament under MS Dhoni. He has played every season of the IPL till date with four different teams. He lifted the trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders and was a part of the 2009 finalist team Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Robbie had featured in 189 IPL matches, scoring 4607 runs at an average of 27.92. He has a impressive strike rate of 129.99. He never scored a IPL century but git 24 half centuries to his name.

Uthappa was the top run getter in the 2014 IPL edition where he scored 660 runs at an average of 44.00 and a strike rate of 137.78.

CSK has released top order batsmen Shane Watson (retired) and Murali Vijay from the team – thus getting a top order batsman in the form of Robin Uthappa is understandable. However, they have got the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu and Narayan Jagadeesan to open the innings.

“We do have depth with regards to openers in our squad, therefore when the offer came from CSK, we thought it was a good opportunity for all parties involved. We’d like to wish Robbie all the best for this season at CSK and his future beyond that.” Royals CEO Jake Lush McCrum said.