Robin Uthappa wants to build on momentum

Pune warriors' Robin Uthappa wants to build on momentum against Kochi today

Robin Uthappa wants to build on momentum

Puneu00a0warriors' Robin Uthappa wants to build on momentum against Kochi today

The way Robin Uthappa batted in the end to steer Pune Warriors India to an emphatic win in their opening game against Kings XI Punjab on Sunday, it was evident enough that he is waiting to explode. Uthappa scored an unbeaten quick fire 22 off 14 that included two sixes and one four.u00a0

However, the Bangalore batsman is keen to build upon the momentum when he faces Kochi Tuskers Kerala at Dr DY Patil Stadium in Nerul today. "I got off to a decent start against Kings XI Punjab which was important for me. I just want to build upon the momentum. I felt good after that knock," Uthappa told MiD DAY on the sidelines of the team's practice session yesterday.

'Want a recall'
Being on the sidelines of the Indian team for quite sometime, it was rather surprising when he was lapped up for $2.1m during the auction in January. But Sunday's knock justified the tag of being Indian Premier League's (IPL) second most expensive player after Gautam Gambhir. "Obviously, the goal is to get back into the Indian team and then the Test team, but I am not looking that far as of now. Getting a good start for me and also the team was important. I am glad to have contributed in that. Team is looking in good shape," he said.

Talking about the match, Uthappa does not think Kochi Tuskers can be taken lightly. "They are a good team and we have played against some of their players in the past. So, it will be a good contest," said Uthappa.

'Murali no threat'
Muttiah Muralitharan, who was one of star bowlers for Sri Lanka during the just-concluded World Cup, would be one of the biggest threats as far as Kochi's bowling is concerned. "I don't think Murali would make a big impact tomorrow. There is hardly anything for spinners on this wicket," said Uthappa.

This will be the first-ever battle between the two newest teams of the Twenty20 league.

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