The resurgence of Robin Uthappa

New Delhi: When selectors sit down Wednesday to pick up teams for the coming tour of Bangladesh and England, the one name that automatically selects himself is none other than Bangalorean Robin Uthappa for his amazing run in the current edition of IPL.Kolkata Knight Riders opener Robin Uthappa is the second batsman after Kings XI Punjab's Glenn Maxwell to complete 500 runs or more in IPL 7. Soon after 'winning' the Orange Cap from Glenn Maxwell, Kolkata Knight Riders opener Robin Uthappa thanked coach Pravin Amre for his amazing run in the Indian Premier League 2014. With 572 runs in 13 matches this season, Uthappa is the second batsman after Kings XI Punjab star Maxwell (533) to complete 500 runs or more in IPL 7. The former India batsman is now the leading run-getter in the present competition.More than the runs, it has been Uthappa's ability to play all the 20 overs that is critical as he became the first batsman to post eight successive innings of 40 or more in the IPL. Bangalorean Uthappa moved to Mumbai and rented an apartment in Khar to find his way back to the Indian team. He last turned out in India colours in a T20 International against South Africa in Johannesburg in March 2012.Apart from appointing Amre, Uthappa roped in former India physio John Gloster and Arjun Gautam, a mental conditioner. He is probably the first cricketer to hire an entire professional team to improve performance. Uthappa also joined yoga and meditation classes. With India set to tour Bangladesh for three ODIs in June, Uthappa has served a timely reminder to the national selectors. His last ODI was against Sri Lanka in Karachi in July 2008.Amre is happy that KKR let Uthappa return to his opening position. "He has taken the opportunity very well, but there is work to do," Amre cautions. Uthappa's biggest test lies in the play-offs. With every team trying to outdo each other, the pressure will mount and that's where the real test lies.