Today is the birthday of former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa.

Former Indian team player Robin Uthappa is celebrating his 39th birthday today. He started his career as an opening batsman in the Indian team but later got the role of one of the best finishers of the team. Uthappa has single-handedly won many exciting matches for Team India. Apart from this, Robin has also handled the responsibility of wicketkeeping in IPL. The Uthappa family had a connection with sports even before Robin started playing cricket for India. His father Venu is a hockey umpire.

Robin Uthappa's personal life

Robin Uthappa's father Venu Uthappa is a Kodava Hindu. Venu Uthappa is a former hockey umpire. While Robin's mother Rosaleen is Malayali. Robin married his longtime girlfriend Sheela Gautam in March 2016. Robin received his education from Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Jain College.

Started playing cricket in 2005

Robin scored 66 for India A vs India B in the 2005 Challenger Trophy. The following year, in the same tournament, Robin scored a match-winning 100 off 93 balls against the same team. Earlier, he was a member of India's Under-19 team that won the Asia Cup. A one-time wicketkeeper and batsman, his List A batting average near 40 and strike rate near 90 made him considered a specialist in limited overs cricket.

Most run scoring batsman

Robin made his One Day International debut in the seventh and final match of India's tour of England in April 2006. He was run out as an opener before being dismissed for 86 runs. This was the highest score by an Indian debutant in a limited overs match. He has been nicknamed 'The Walking Assassin' for his tactics of attacking the bowler. Robin played a key role in India's victory in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20. He finished the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy season as the leading run-scorer that season and was also the highest run-scorer in the IPL that year.

Scored 47 runs on 33 balls

Robin was recalled to the ODI team in January 2007 for the series against the West Indies. His performance in the first two matches was not good. He played quick innings of 70 runs in the third game and 28 runs in the fourth game. In the sixth ODI of the NatWest Series 2007–2008, he scored 47 runs in 33 balls to lead India to a thrilling victory.