Young opener Robin Uthappa, who created a record of scoring the most runs by an Indian debutant in ODIs, is now determined to cement a regular place in the team by performing consistently.
Uthappa entered the record books by scoring a scintillating 86 against England in Indore on Saturday, bettering the best one-day debut batting score held by Brijesh Patel who had slammed 82 in a World Cup match against the same opponents in 1975.
"I'm very happy and I hope to continue in the same manner," said Uthappa..
Uthappa, who virtually struggled in this domestic season barring a century in the Challenger series, displayed a lot of character and looks set for a long innings with the Indian team.
The 20-year-old said his father followed hockey, the traditional sport of the Coorg or Kodagu district in Karnataka, but he went by his instincts to play cricket.
"I just took up cricket because I liked it. Though my father (Venu) was an international hockey umpire, there was no pressure on me to play the game," Uthappa was quoted as saying in 'The Gulf News' today.
Former Indian Test cricketer Brijesh Patel also complimented the promising youngster.
{{/usCountry}}Former Indian Test cricketer Brijesh Patel also complimented the promising youngster.
{{/usCountry}}"He is an exciting youngster and has made good use of the opportunity. Should have got a hundred, but nevertheless it is a good start," said Patel, whose clinic had helped Uthappa pick up the basics.
Patel is currently the secretary of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and a former Director of the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.