IPL: Robin Uthappa dedicates match-winning knock vs DC to son on his birthday
Veteran Chennai Super Kings batsman Robin Utappa has urged critics to be kind after dedicating his winning 63rd match against Delhi Capitals in the first IPL 2021 qualifier to his son, who celebrates his fourth birthday on Sunday.
Ruturaj Gaikwad hit 70 off 50 to lead CSK’s charge and got the perfect support from a man who himself seeking his own redemption — Uthappa (63 off 44) — before MS Dhoni’s arrival with the bat. Dhoni, meanwhile, delivered in style, hitting 18 off 6 with the help of three fours and a six as CSK gunned down the 173-run target with two balls to spare.
“Feeling grateful and happy to be able to contribute. Today is my son’s fourth birthday… We knew we had to get to a good start,” Uthappa said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
“There is nothing serious with that injury. There is four days to go, so should be good. There were when there were doubts [whether he would play or not].
“You listen to a lot of chatter that is happening outside. I just felt I would be able to contribute. This is one of the most secure franchises going around.
“That only makes a player give that much back to the franchise. The final is going to be interesting. Just wanted to say to everyone out there: let’s be kind,” Uthappa added.
CSK, three-time champions, are in the final again, their 9th. DC, last season’s finalists, can still make the final. They play the winners of Monday’s Eliminator between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders, in Qualifier 2.
