Mumbai Indians Appoint Robin Uthappa as Batting Coach
Mumbai, October 30: Mumbai Indians have appointed former India batter Robin Uthappa as their batting coach, the franchise confirmed on Friday. The move marks a homecoming for Uthappa, who first played in the IPL for the same side in 2008.
Uthappa will now begin his IPL coaching career with the franchise where he started as a player. Speaking after his appointment, he said the connection carried a special meaning for him.
“I have seen Mumbai Indians win the trust and confidence of fans, become champions, keep winning consistently, and turn into one of the best franchises in the world in terms of a winning attitude,” he said. “Today, we are once again in a position where we need to earn the fans' trust. We have come back as underdogs.”
He described the return as something close to fate. “I am truly happy to come back and work with this franchise. Frankly, it feels like kismet. I began my IPL career with Mumbai Indians, and I am beginning my IPL coaching career with them as well.”
Uthappa looked back at 2008, when he first joined the team. At that time, the side was playing the CB Series in Australia when the auction took place. He said he was thrilled at the prospect of sharing the field with his idol, Sachin Tendulkar.
“Everyone in that first season was finding their place,” he said, pointing to the franchise, players, teams and the league as a whole. He called the campaign a good one that might have gone better, citing injuries and Tendulkar's absence for a large part of the tournament. Harbhajan Singh captained the side, and Sanath Jayasuriya and Shaun Pollock delivered strong performances.
Uthappa also outlined his focus on domestic cricketers. He wants to build their confidence to express themselves freely and help them find clarity in their approach. He believes this is one of the most critical needs for young players.
He spoke of the emotional stake coaches have in the careers of their players. “You invest emotionally in their journey and hope they succeed. When one of the players I had mentored was selected in the Indian Test squad, it felt as if I had been picked. It was deeply emotional, and I have been waiting for moments like that, especially with domestic cricketers.”
Uthappa, who was instrumental in Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL title in 2014, said Mumbai's home record is a major source of strength. His goal is to carry that energy to every away venue as well. He wants opponents who face the Paltan to feel the same fear on the road that they do at home, and he is eager to help restore the fans' faith while making the underdog journey memorable.