Madhurima
NEW DELHI: ESPNcricinfo has launched a brand new show called ‘One on One #Workfromhome, where the host catches up with cricketers over video-chat during this global time-out to talk about their career, life-goals, personal life and ways of coping with social distancing. The first-ever guest on the debut episode of the show is Rajasthan Royals batsman Robin Uthappa.
Robin talked about his career, aspirations, starting a brand new journey with Rajasthan Royals and his ongoing preparations in current times. Robin has featured in eight ODIs and 4 T20 matches since October 2011. Although he prefers coming up the order, Robin has also been preparing for the role of a finisher and has already started his training while at home.
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"What we'd like today is really a good finisher. I even have been practising plenty because all these things are sort of a process; they do not just happen overnight. you would like to work on that a day . And God willing, it'll happen at some point," he said.
When asked who is the greatest captain he has played under in IPL, Robin picks Gautam Gambhir. He says, "Gauti, for me, stood out. although he doesn't speak much, he communicates just what's enough, and you recognize that you're in a good place. Good leaders cause you to feel secure, then they allow you to be, and you see that in their results as a captain." Robin also acknowledged visible leadership qualities in Rohit Sharma. "With the way he interacts together with his players, you'll be able to tell that he's a leader", he adds further.
On being a part of Rajasthan Royals this season, he says, "I am genuinely looking forward to meeting and spending time with Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Oshane Thomas, Tom Curran and all others because it's only when guys come together and set the common goal of needing to win, and that desire is vehemently expressed, you recognize that it's going to come through."
The show also introduces viewers to Robin's personal life. Robin has been making the most of the lockdown by spending quality time together with his wife and son, Neale Nolan Uthappa, in Bangalore. He introduces Neale and narrates quite a fascinating story behind the name 'Neale Nolan.'
"Our entire family has been a huge Christopher Nolan fan, so, we had decided to call our son 'Nolan Robin Uthappa.' on the other hand we (my wife and I) stumbled on the author "Neale Donald Walsch" of ‘Conversation with God's' fame. He had a major impact on us. So we decided to drop ‘Robin' and call him 'Neale Nolan Uthappa' instead," he said.
Robin is a passionate reader, and also likes to bake and cook in his free time, which he has been doing tons nowadays. He was into reading autobiographies of cricketers all the time, but it changed after an event.
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"My biggest learning came after I read Steve Waugh's autobiography, where he spoke about how he was a grafter, his grit, determination, and the way he enjoyed the struggle because it brought out the best in him. I got so influenced that suddenly I found myself batting and trying to struggle, even though I wasn't. So that's after I thought, I should stop reading these books while I'm playing," he said.
