A solid batsman, Robin Uthappa has been an integral part of the Karnataka team for over a decade now. Shouldering dual responsibility of wicketkeeping and batting, Uthappa played a vital role in Karnataka’s title defence last season. A prolific run-scorer across formats, the top-order batsman was selected for the Madhavrao Scindia Award for the highest scorer in Ranji Trophy 2014-15, after accumulating 912 runs from 11 matches at an average of 50.66. Uthappa, who has amassed 8285 runs in first-class cricket, told bcci.tv that the past season helped him understand the importance of converting starts into big scores.

Excerpts from the interview: How does it feel that the BCCI recgonises the performances in domestic circuit? It’s heartening and it motivates me. It gives me the reassurance that I am going in the right direction and I just have to keep working in this direction. The award is a huge source of inspiration. It’s a big motivating factor as well for the individuals who look to keep playing and want to improve and win matches for the team. I think it is a way of motivating individuals in a team sport. This kind of recognition for different aspects of the game is something that will motivate boys to go out there and keep getting better. Your success was directly related to the team’s performance. How do you see the role and your responsibility? I think it is extremely important to be able to win games and to have an impact on the outcome of the matches. And I have understood that and it is a lot of responsibility. I want my performances to really add value to the team and that’s the kind of batting that I have been focusing on for the last few years. I am glad that I am able to add value to my team’s scores.

Would you say that the 2014-15 was one of your best seasons? So far yes, it has definitely been one of the best ones. But yes as far as the hundreds were concerned, or converting the starts, I could do better with that. I think I was able to do that to a fair amount this year.

Keeping wickets and batting at the top of the order, how do you balance the two? Standing behind the stumps is thoroughly enjoyable. It keeps me involved in the game. It keeps me close to the process and outcome of the game, so it’s something that I look forward to. As far as where the team is concerned, I am happy that I am able to add value to that aspect of the game as well. It’s something that I am enjoying completely at the moment. I make sure that whatever amount of training I am doing, I spend a little more time working on the nuances of wicketkeeping before a game. I try and make sure that I stay as fresh as possible, so I can give my hundred per cent while batting and keeping as well. What are the takeaways from the season?

I think one of the important takeaways from the last season is the importance of converting good starts into big scores. The importance of having the ability to win matches for your team and doing justice to that. Because sometimes when you are worried about form or you are concerned about getting a big score, the whole idea of being able to impact a match slips. To be constantly aware of making an impact while getting a big score is something which I have carried on from last season. I am happy with the way it is going and I am working on my batting. I am looking to better my performances.