Uthappa eyes runs and law of averages in Vijay Hazare semis

Robin Uthappa might not be enjoying a great deal of success with Saurashtra yet, but the senior pro isn't too fussed about form ditching him in his debut season with the new employer. Instead, having spent 15 years in domestic circuit, he's putting his experience to good use at his new home.

After modest returns in the 2016-17 season, which also saw him getting axed from Karnataka's eleven for the Ranji Trophy quarters against Tamil Nadu, Uthappa decided to make a move. Switching to Saurashtra just ahead of the 2017-18 season, in search of new challenges and roles, the 32-year-old has fared only marginally better than what he did the previous domestic season - as far as numbers are concerned.

The Coorg-born batsman had an underwhelming Ranji season, tallying a modest 325 in nine innings with only three half-centuries to show for. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy that followed, Uthappa aggregated exactly 100 in four innings, 52 of which came in a single knock. His scores in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy read: 9, 20, 14, 32, 11 and 9 - a sum total of 95 runs in six games so far. He's however, not losing his sleep over the lack of runs from his willow.

"Form is always a temporary factor. As long as you're batting well and you're putting in the effort, you're in the right mindset - form is something that you can overcome," Uthappa said on the eve of Saurashtra's semifinal against Andhra, on Saturday (February 24). "Obviously I want to do really well for the team with the bat in hand as well. I always like taking up the ownership to do well for the side, so hopefully tomorrow will be the day that I'm able to score well for the side."

For now, Uthappa is content with his qualitative contributions to the team - sharing his "two cents" with the young bunch at Saurashtra and overseeing their growth. "I think what's more important is that you add value to the team; make sure that the team wins. As a senior member of the side, as a new member of the side, I'm very pleased with the way I've contributed to the side - not in terms of runs but as a senior cricketer, giving my two cents every now and then, whenever I can. So I'm happy doing that," he said.

Uthappa does admit being pleasantly surprised by the kind of talent he's seen in this Saurashtra side as well as their reserves. The 32-year-old feels had luck favoured them a bit in the multi-day format, the team could have had a shot at making this season a tad more memorable.

"I was actually completely surprised by how talented the bunch of boys at Saurashtra are. They're a wonderful group, a very happy and positive group. That's what you want in a group that is looking to win championships. They've got the skill, but guess we were very unfortunate to not qualify for both the Ranji Trophy and the T20s, but this [Vijay Hazare success] was a little overdue for us. We're very pleased with the way we're operating as a unit. The belief is there, we just want to make sure that we take just one game at a time to make it all the way through."

The "one game" right ahead of them at the moment will probably test that skill-set and preparation more than what any other has thus far. Not because there's pressure of expectations - winning it gives Saurashtra their maiden final berth in over a decade and a shot at second title - but also because of their opponent's intimidating form. Andhra are on a roll, having beaten seven teams on the trot, to enter their first-ever semifinal. They've mowed down domestic giants, including three of the pre-season title favourites in Tamil Nadu, Mumbai and Delhi, on their way and look unstoppable despite the lack of any big stars in their set-up.

Uthappa though joked it's time the law of averages catches up with the Hanuma Vihari-led side. "You can perceive it as they haven't dropped a game so far so it's about time that the law of averages works in our favour tomorrow. Perceive it the way it works for you," he quipped, before quickly acknowledging that Andhra deserve the credit for making opponents fear for their fate in the competition. At the same time, Uthappa said he remains confident that their side has shown the stomach to fight, which can make all the difference.

"We are playing a very good team, no doubt [about it]. They're doing really well. They're coming off seven back to back wins, so credit to them as a unit for what they've done. But we're also confident, we're playing some very good cricket. We came back from a situation from where our backs were up against the wall [in the quarterfinal] and now we're here, in the semifinals. The key I feel is to feel positive as a unit and look forward to playing good cricket in the semis," he noted.

"We're at the business end of the tournament, so it's more about who holds there nerve well on the day, in games like this. The kind of start you get becomes very crucial. You also have to understand that in games like this, the toss also plays a crucial role. You've got to be a bit lucky with the toss as well. So, I feel, if most of these factors can work in our favour then I think we have a very good chance," Uthappa signed off.