Karnataka star Robin Uthappa is reportedly mulling switching states for the next domestic season.
The discarded India batsman, who did not enjoy a very fruitful last season with Karnataka, is contemplating representing Kerala in the upcoming season, according to a report in The Indian Express.
The 32-year old Karnataka-born cricketer represented his native state since making his debut way back in 2002 but things turned sour between the player and the team when he was dropped from the playing XI last season.
Uthappa had played a pivotal role in 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons when Karnataka completed a rare back-to-back treble – winning the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup and Vijay Hazare Trophy.
He led the run charts in the 2014-15 Ranji Trophy season, as Karnataka became the first domestic team to repeat their title-winning treble. The right-handed batsman had scored 912 runs in that season and followed it with 759 runs in the following season.
However, things did not go well for him in the last season where he managed only 328 runs in 12 innings with the help of one century before being dropped for the quarterfinal match against Tamil Nadu. Hurt by the exclusion, the player is now eyeing representing Kerala from next season.
The news was confirmed by Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) secretary Jayesh George who said that the player will play for Kerala if everything goes according to plan.
“The KCA has been in talks with Robin Uthappa with regards to him playing as a professional for Kerala. He informed us that he would get back to us after the IPL. We are waiting to hear from him. If everything works out, Uthappa will play for Kerala next season,” George told The Indian Express.
The news outlet further claimed that even the player has confirmed that the talk over switching the state is ongoing before confirming that nothing has been finalised as of now.
Meanwhile, Kerala has released left-arm spinner Iqbal Abdullah and batsman Bhavin Thakkar ahead of the next season. Both the ex-Mumbai players had joined the side last season.