After helping the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) win the 2014 Indian Premier League, former cricketer Robin Uthappa made the shocking admission that he wanted to leave the team. Robin Uthappa, who was purchased at the 2014 IPL auction for INR 5 crore, acknowledged that he made the choice in order to increase his income. Despite having a stellar season, he hoped to be released by KKR.
Following the BCCI’s dismissal of Pune Warriors India (PWI) and subsequent auction of its players, the wicketkeeper-batter joined KKR. Together with captain Gautam Gambhir, Uthappa created a potent top-order combination. He won the Orange Cap that year after scoring 660 runs at an average of 44. After defeating Punjab Kings (then known as Kings XI Punjab) at Eden Gardens, KKR went on to win the IPL 2014 title.
Robin Uthappa remarked, “I just wanted to try and it was worth having a conversation.”
“I joined to KKR for Rs 5 crore after Pune Warriors India. I wanted to be freed following my successful year (with the bat), our IPL (2014) victory, and my Orange Cap. I was itching to return to the auction. I wanted to take advantage of the chance to increase my income. How much longer are you going to play, honestly? until the ages of 35 and 36. By that time, I was already 29. Therefore, I wanted to maximise my revenue,” Robin Uthappa stated on Jarrod Kimber’s “KimAppa” YouTube show.
Robin Uthappa, who made INR 5 crore at KKR, wanted to increase his income, but the team used their right to keep him, thus a trade could not be made. In 205 IPL games, the opener amassed 4952 runs.
I visited KKR and spoke with the leadership group there. They said, “We can’t let you go,” and denied. You should perform for us. We hope you will continue to perform for us. I spoke with them after that, and according to the terms of the deal at the time, I could not have made more than Rs 5 crore. I decided to let it go.