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KKR have a strong core for next 5-7 years: Uthappa
Kolkata, May 5 (IANS) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Vice Captain Robin Uthappa feels that the team now has a strong core group of players who can deliver for the next 5-7 years.
“I think we have got a side that can hold strong core for the next 5-7 years easily,” Uthappa told KKR’s official website on the eve of their Indian Premier League (IPL) away tie against Mumbai Indians.
“So for me, I think that is commendable to have that kind of side. It’s commendable to have decision maker to have such setup,” he added talking about KKR having a young set of players this time and miminal squad.
The likes of U-19 World Cup winners Shubman Gill and Shivam Mavi have done well so far for the two-time champions, while pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti had to be ruled out of the competition due to injury.
Gill was instrumental in KKR’s convincing six-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings in the previous encounter. The 18-year old, who was adjugded Player of the Tournament in the U-19 World Cup, remained unbeaten on 57 off 36 balls to guide the purple brigade to victory.
In the same match, Mavi bowled superbly, conceding just 21 runs in his three overs, although not getting a wicket.
The likes of unheralded Rinku Singh have also been picked up by the franchise underlining their desire to promote young talent.
Uthappa, who has been around since the inception of the IPL in 2008, said the game has changed a lot since the first year and has become more “power-oriented”.
I think it’s the way cricket is moving right now. If you look at it. It is becoming a sport that is more dynamic, that is more power-oriented. Cricket has changed from the time
“I started playing the IPL to where it is today. It has changed tremendously. We are at that stage where everything is growing and is learning to walk, and is just beginning to take strides and running.
“So I think, we are only going to see what it’s going to be like in next five or 10 years, which will dictate what it’s going to be in the next century,” the 32-year old 2007 World T20 winner said.
With wicketkeeper batsman Dinesh Karthik taking over as the skipper from Gautam Gambhir this season, Uthappa has made way for the former behind the stumps.
Quizzed about his experience as an outfield player, the clean-hitting right-hander said, “I am loving it. I absolutely love fielding. It’s a lot of fun. You are involved in the game so much more. You are running. You are trying to help out the bowler as much as you can.
“With every ball, you are in in the game. It’s not like you are not when you are keeping. But you know, you are always in the move, which I enjoy completely.”
Generally an important cog in KKR’s wheel, Uthappa has failed to convert his starts this season, not scoring a fifty after nine games.
“Well I think, everything is going to reveal in the days to come. I would like my bat to speak, instead of me speaking,” he said when asked about his pedestrian form.
KKR are third in the points table with 10 points from nine outings.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.