Controlled aggression is my way forward: Uthappa

Robin Uthappa's natural flair and flamboyance always marked him out as a batsman with special talent. In fact, for someone who, at the age of 22, was a part of India Twenty20 World Cup winning team in South Africa, his ability to hit big sixes set the stands on fire in the Indian Premier League (IPL) last season. That this Karnataka batsman was bought by the Pune Warriors for a whopping 9.66 crore at the IPL auction underlines the new-found confidence the team owners have in him as a 'match-winner'.
In an exclusive interview with TOI, Uthappa talks about his IPL success, his resolve to make a return to the Indian team and his new found discipline and devotion towards the game.
Did you ever dream that after having a base price of Rs 92 lakh, you would fetch 9.66 crore at the IPL auction?
To be honest I didn't expect it. I expected to be sold for $1.5million or so considering how I had performed last season. But I'm greatful to god that he's blessed me with this. I'm grateful to Sahara too for showing so much faith in my ability.
Does more money put more responsibility on you?
Well, the fact that I belong to Pune Warriors makes me responsible towards them. I will play to the best of my ability and give 200 per cent for my team. I like to control what's in my control.
You pumped in a lot of iron and did specialized training to strengthen your shoulders. As a result, you hit the maximum 27 sixes last IPL season. Do you think your reputation to hit big sixes has paid you rich dividends?
I enjoy playing my shots once I'm set and like to dominate the bowlers. And training does play a big role in that for me. I'm not an athlete who just requires basic fitness to perform in a game. For the kind of game I play, and the body type I have, I require to train a lot to bring the best out of me. The IPL 3 is a testimony of that.
You are a batsman with an inbuilt aggression. Any plans of evolving as a batsman like Mahendra Singh Dhoni?
No. I intend to play my natural game. I've grown a lot over the last two years and I've understood what suits me best. Controlled aggression is the way forward for me.
Two years in exile due to form and fitness issues. How do you intend getting back into the Indian team?
I wouldn't agree with you about that. I've stacked up some good performances in the last couple of years barring a bad Ranji season last year. Besides that, I've done as well as many others if not better. I believe I will be back in the side soon. I'm very passionate about playing for the country and winning matches for India and I believe I will do it again very soon.
Your arrogance, and attitude, was also a major handicap. You said, there was a time when you thought you could get away with murder. Now, at 25, do you think you are a more matured cricketer?
Most definitely! I've grown a lot because of the setbacks I have had in the last two years. I've grown emotionally and mentally. And, more importantly, I've grown as a cricketer. It has left me where I am today. A more confident, realistic and dedicated person!