Robin Uthappa Reflects on 2007 T20 World Cup Memories in South Africa
Nostalgic Moments from the 2007 T20 World Cup
Durban [South Africa], January 9: Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa, who is currently in South Africa for the commentary of the fourth season of SA20, shared his fond memories from the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, particularly highlighting his performance and the memorable 'bowl out' against Pakistan during the group stage.
While addressing the media in Durban, the same venue where the India-Pakistan match took place in 2007, Uthappa recalled his impressive innings, where he scored a quick fifty off 39 balls, helping India reach a total of 141/9. The match ended in a tie, leading to a 'bowl out' to determine the winner, where players bowled at the stumps without any batsmen present. Uthappa participated in this unique event, successfully hitting the stumps and celebrating by bowing to the crowd.
Reflecting on his experiences from that tournament, Uthappa stated, “Durban evokes a lot of memories for me. I often think back to 2007. Every time I visit, I glance at that dressing room and remember all the incredible moments we shared here. It was truly a remarkable time.”
As he prepared for the upcoming SA20 match, Uthappa reminisced about the bowl-out against Pakistan, noting how Team India was well-prepared for the challenge, which has since been replaced by the Super Over format.
“I was on the pitch today, reflecting on the bowl-out against Pakistan. It was a lot of fun, and we had done extensive preparation for it, which often goes unmentioned. I believe we were better prepared than the opposing team that night,” he remarked.
During the T20 World Cup, Uthappa accumulated 113 runs across six innings, averaging 18.83 with a strike rate of 113, including his notable fifty against Pakistan. India ultimately clinched the title by defeating Pakistan in a thrilling final. Over his T20I career, Uthappa played 13 matches, scoring 249 runs at an average of 24.90 and a strike rate of 118.00, including one fifty. His international career spanned from 2006 to 2015, during which he also played 46 ODIs, amassing 934 runs at an average of 25.94.
Although he didn't receive many opportunities with the national team, Uthappa established himself as a formidable player in the IPL, amassing 4,952 runs in 205 matches, with an average of 27.51 and a strike rate of 130, including 27 fifties. He won IPL titles with both Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), scoring 660 runs in 16 matches during KKR's championship season, which earned him the 'Orange Cap'.