Robin Uthappa Praises New T10 Tennis-Ball Cricket League for Emerging Talent

A New Era for Grassroots Cricket

By Vipul Kashyap

New Delhi [India] - Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa Chopra has expressed his admiration for the Beyond Reach Premier League (BRPC), a nationwide T10 tennis-ball cricket league aimed at discovering and nurturing budding cricket talent throughout India. This initiative is also focused on enhancing the development of grassroots sports.

In a conversation with a media outlet, Uthappa highlighted the league as an exceptional opportunity for young athletes aspiring to make a career in cricket. He noted that the tournament could serve as a stepping stone for these players, potentially leading them to higher platforms like the IPL, emphasizing that opportunities can arise from any corner.

“I believe it’s a remarkable league. It offers significant chances for youth looking to pursue cricket, whether as a primary or secondary career. This tournament could elevate their skills, and who knows, it might lead them to the IPL. Dreams can originate from anywhere,” he stated.

As the Indian men's cricket team grapples with an injury crisis ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, with all-rounder Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma sidelined for the India vs New Zealand T20I series, Uthappa remains optimistic. He believes such challenges are common before major tournaments and shouldn't cause alarm for the Men in Blue.

“I don’t think this is a cause for concern. Injuries like these are part of the game before a tournament,” Uthappa remarked.

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra also weighed in, stating that the tournament is vital for talented players who may not have had the chance to showcase their skills. He pointed out that while there are differences between tennis-ball and leather-ball cricket, the core of the game remains unchanged, and tennis-ball players often exhibit more creativity in their shots.

“If you possess talent but lack a platform, this tournament will certainly assist you. It ensures visibility and recognition for your skills. While tennis-ball and leather-ball cricket are distinct, the essence of the sport is the same. A tennis-ball player might not transition to leather-ball cricket, but they can execute shots that are often more spectacular than those of leather-ball players,” he explained.