CHENNAI: Robin Uthappa turning out for Kerala isn’t quite a done deal yet. Many believed a formal announcement would follow soon after the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) issued him with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) on Saturday. Turning out for Kerala was the likeliest outcome as the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) and the keeper-batsman had been in discussion for a while.
However, Express has learnt that it’s not progressed as many believed. Both parties are still a fair way away from dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.
“We were in talks with him for the last few months,” KCA secretary Jayesh George told Express. “He is currently on vacation overseas and he sent a mail yesterday (Tuesday) saying he can confirm one way or another (whether to accept Kerala’s offer) only in August.”
That obviously creates quite a big problem for Kerala, who are currently having a camp under coach Dav Whatmore at Sri Ramachandra University. Their first tournament of the upcoming season — Dr Capt K Thimmappiah Memorial tournament — begins from July 22 and KCA would like to have the 31-year-old in the team before that.
Even otherwise, waiting till August isn’t an ideal preparation for the Ranji season, according to George. “I don’t think we can wait,” he said. “What if we wait till August and he gets back to say he doesn’t want to play for us? That will be very bad preparation for us.” While the Kolkata Knight Riders batsman remains the first choice, the Kerala top brass is having a meeting on Thursday to decide the next course of action. “I am meeting Watmore, (Tinu) Yohanan... and all the other selectors on Thursday and then we will take a decision.”
The Kerala management is also a bit cheesed off following a list of demands that Uthappa had forwarded to them. “We had earlier received a list of demands from Uthappa which we found tough to accede. We had informed him of the same,” a source in the know said.
If they do decide to play it safe, Punjab’s Jiwanjot Singh, Express has learnt, has emerged as a possible candidate. “Our first priority is Uthappa,” a source said. “If he is not available, then we will try Jiwanjot. Our concern is batting.”
swaroop@newindianexpress.com