"Wanted to go back to auction…"- Robin Uthappa reveals why he wanted to part ways with KKR after winning IPL 2014

Robin Uthappa won the Orange Cap in IPL 2014.

Former India wicket-keeper Robin Uthappa has made a surprising statement that he wanted to leave Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after 2014 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The right-handed batsman played a vital role in leading KKR to the title in IPL 2014.

Led by Gautam Gambhir, KKR defeated Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the final of IPL 2014 to win their second IPL title. Uthappa mustered 660 runs across 16 games in the season at a spectacular average of 44.0.

Batting as an opener with captain Gambhir, Uthappa hammered five half-centuries in the season and helped the team win crucial games. He finished as the highest run-scorer in the tournament and won the Orange Cap.

I wanted to go back in auction after IPL 2014: Robin Uthappa

Notably, Uthappa was part of Pune Warriors India in the 2013 edition. However, the team was terminated by the BCCI after the 2013 edition. Uthappa was then signed by KKR for INR 5 crores during the 2014 auction.

During a conversation with Jarrod Kimber on latter’s YouTube channel ‘KimAppa,’ Uthappa revealed that he wanted to be released by KKR and go into the auction after IPL 2014 to increase his income in the tournament.

“After Pune Warriors India, I went to KKR for Rs 5 crore. After my big year (with the bat), we won the IPL (2014) and I got the Orange Cap, I wanted to be released. I wanted to go back in the auction. I wanted to maximize the opportunity to earn more,” he said.

“To be honest, how much longer are you gonna play? Till 35, 36. And I was already 29 by then. So, I wanted to maximize my earnings,” he added.

The cricketer-turned-commentator revealed that he had a conversation with KKR management over his release. However, the franchise didn’t want to part ways with him.

“I went and had a conversation with the leadership group at KKR. They denied and said we can’t let you go. We want you to play for us. We want you to play for us for a long time”, he further said.

“And then I had a conversation with them and there was no way I could’ve earned more than Rs 5 crore based on the contract at that point. So I let it go. I just wanted to try and it was worth having a conversation,” Uthappa added.

Meanwhile, Uthappa went on to represent KKR till the IPL 2019 season. He then joined Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2020. From IPL 2021 to 2022, he represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Following his retirement, he started commentary.

Uthappa played 205 games in the IPL during his career, scoring 4952 runs in 197 innings at an average of 27.51. With a highest knock of 88 runs, he slammed 27 fifties.

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