Master and his pupil, Uthappa

It was yet another of those, now-frequent coaching classes of Sachin Tendulkar.

It was yet another of those, now-frequent coaching classes of Sachin Tendulkar. And the pupil this time with the master was Robin Uthappa—getting to know the head-positioning and finer details of how to keep the eyes on the ball and watching it go to the keeper. Uthappa has had just one chance to bat in this one-day series so far.

It’s been a while since he hit that sensational knock at The Oval against England. Batting lower down in the order has its share of risks: long periods of inactivity, lesser opportunities to bat and often, it’s a matter of two extremes in batting approach. For a top-order batsman to make that transition is quite a mean task, but trust Uthappa to handle the challenge with a big smile.

“Actually, since the time I have been given that position at 6 or 7, I have made a conscious effort to mould my game accordingly.

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“That I can play the spinners well works really well but honestly, my game has improved a lot overall since I changed that mindset to be a middle-order bat,” he says.

He says he’s now realising the value of his wicket and has been looking to spend more time in the middle and build partnerships. “I have all the big shots, but I am trying to delay the time when I have to go after the bowlers,” he says.

Heading into a crucial phase of the tournament, Uthappa is not worried about the lack of chances in the series so far and is aware that suddenly he would have to walk in to play a big role for his team.

“That’s the charm of that position. You are a hero or a zero in that little time batting at No. 6 or 7.

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“I know I haven’t had many chances, but I am prepared if and when my turn comes in the remaining games,” he asserts.

After having consciously invested to fit into that role in the past one year, Uthappa is still game to wear helmet and face the new ball again.

“I am happy to play anywhere. Tomorrow, if I am asked to open the innings, I will be very glad to do that. In fact, because I knew how to play the new ball, these middle-order stints suit me well and I have now learnt to hold the innings together,” he adds.

Uthappa doesn’t know if he will get to bat tomorrow against Australia, but he has one answer to all such hypothetical questions and situation that he often face—hit the ball from the middle of the bat at nets and take that confidence into the match and wait for his turn.