Garden glory at the IPL

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They may not be playing for our home team, but these Bengaluru boys are winning hearts of cricket buffs with their note-worthy performances in the IPL. While Rahul Sharad Dravid is surely one of the most-admired men in the sport, Robin Uthappa and Stuart Binny are proving their mettle this season too.

There’s no denying that Dravid commands the same kind of ardent fan following from Bengalureans, despite not being a part of RCB. RD, who is currently the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, made impressive half-centuries against Delhi and Pune. Recruiter ParinithaRamprasad says, “When RR and RCB were playing in Bangalore and Dravid took to the mike, the crowd went crazy cheering for him. He will always be respected by followers of cricket. The way he carries himself is commendable. He’s so down-to-earth, has no airs and is a family man - he’s a true gentleman.”
Another Bengaluru player who’s making news with his knocks is Stuart Binny, son of former all-rounder Roger Binny. This Karnataka player made everyone notice him when he spurred his team to victory against Pune by making 32 from 13 balls. “Binny is a very handy all-rounder to have in one’s team. His Ranji statistics highlight this fact,” says student MukundBhuwalka.
Binny has over 1,800 runs to his credit in first class cricket and has also won BCCI’s best all-rounder award. “He’s surely proving himself in the IPL. Binny is the kind that RR can depend on when they need to chase or make a good target,” opines Parinitha. The Pune Warriors too have their dose of Bengaluru in Robin Uthappa, who has played for RCB previously.
This St Josephs alumnus had the whole of Bengaluru on the edge of their seats during his top-notch knock of 75 from 45 deliveries against RCB. Says consultant Anil S, “Uthappa led RCB to many victories in 2010. This time, he played aggressively and made a half-century against Rajasthan too.”