Former Indian cricketer, Robin Uthappa, has voiced his concerns over the proposed "cooling-off" period being considered by the BCCI for recently retired Indian players wishing to participate in overseas T20 leagues. Uthappa, who hung up his boots from international and IPL cricket just last year, recently played in the T10 league in Zimbabwe and the ILT20 in the UAE.
Reacting to a PTI query during a session organized by Jio Cinema, Uthappa expressed, “I think it is human nature to feel uncomfortable about it. We aren’t under a central contract with the BCCI anymore and aren't playing cricket in India. It does seem a bit uncomfortable and certainly unfair."
Nevertheless, he acknowledged the BCCI's consistent support for players. "The BCCI has always been supportive. I trust any decision they make will cater to both the BCCI's interests and the players participating in the IPL. With proper communication, I believe a solution that's beneficial for everyone can be found," he opined.
Regarding India's prospects in the T20 format, particularly with the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Uthappa emphasized the role of management and leadership. “We have an abundance of talent. The depth and quality of players are so high that it could be overwhelming - a problem many countries might wish for," Uthappa observed.
The critical factor, according to Uthappa, would be the strategic direction the team chooses. "The team management's approach and the leadership group's vision will be crucial for India’s success in the T20s. The question remains: Will they back the new generation, or opt for a blend of youth and experience?”
Drawing on his experience of 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is, Uthappa highlighted a potential challenge for the Indian squad, "There's a notable concern regarding the lower-middle order. Post the No. 7 slot, there's a significant tail. Besides that, our spin department is world-class."
He also offered advice for the younger players touring the West Indies, stressing the importance of patience and acclimatization to the unique conditions of each island. "For many, it's their first exposure to the Caribbean conditions. They need time to understand the nuances of each pitch," Uthappa concluded.
