Robin Uthappa, a former member of India’s T20 World Cup-winning team, recently sat down for an interview at an indoor sports facility in Dubai. Uthappa, now a Dubai resident, discussed his reasons for moving to the city, citing the excellent education system and safety as key factors for his decision. He also mentioned that living in Dubai makes sense for him, especially with his frequent travels for cricket leagues outside of India. Uthappa praised Dubai’s safety and family-friendly environment, stating that it has been the best decision for his family.
Not only does Uthappa play professional cricket, but he has also ventured into radio commentary for the ongoing T20 World Cup in Dubai. He expressed his excitement for the opportunity and highlighted the differences between radio and television commentary. Uthappa also praised Dubai’s focus on promoting sports and fitness activities, noting the variety of sports available for children, including his own son who is actively involved in gymnastics and multiple sports. He believes that the UAE has the potential to become a leading cricket-playing nation with its diverse expat population.
In the interview, Uthappa also touched on the importance of mental health awareness, sharing his own struggles with mental health and suicidal thoughts in the past. He emphasized the importance of breaking the taboo surrounding mental health issues and encouraged others to speak out and seek help when needed. Uthappa believes that shedding light on mental health issues can help reduce stigma and make it a more normal topic of conversation.
Addressing the issue of social media trolls in sports, Uthappa advised young athletes to find coping mechanisms that work best for them when facing online abuse. He highlighted the case of Riyan Parag and how he overcame social media trolls by focusing on his performance on the field. Uthappa emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and handling criticism in a way that feels right for each individual.
Finally, Uthappa shared his thoughts on the treatment of cricketer Hardik Pandya, who faced backlash from Mumbai Indians fans for replacing Rohit Sharma as captain. Uthappa expressed empathy for Pandya and criticized the extreme reactions and trolling directed at him, describing it as inhumane. He emphasized the need for understanding and compassion in such situations, especially considering the mental health struggles that some players may be facing. Overall, Uthappa’s interview highlighted the importance of mental health awareness, resilience in the face of challenges, and the supportive sports environment in Dubai.
