'He knows only they sign grandpas' - Fans react as Robin Uthappa says 'if I could play IPL again, it's CSK'

Robin Uthappa (Source: Twitter)

Having won five Indian Premier League (IPL) trophies, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are one of the most successful franchises in the cash-rich league. Led by legendary captain MS Dhoni, the Chennai-based franchise is on a roll in IPL 2023 as well, as they are in contention to lift the title after qualifying for the playoffs for the 12th time in 14 seasons. However, it's not just these achievements that make this franchise stand out from the rest, but the way the team has bonded with each of its players and their unity on and off the field.

CSK have a mix of youngsters and veteran players, but they are often trolled for stockpiling 'older' players. Their skipper is 41, while all-rounder Dwayne Bravo (39), spinner Imran Tahir (44), openers Shane Watson (41) and Faf du Plessis (38) are among the 'old' players who have played for them. Ambati Rayudu, 37, is still playing for them, and the franchise has surprised everyone by signing another experienced batter, Ajinkya Rahane (34), to the 2023 squad.

However, these veterans have been an integral part of the team's successful campaign over the years and were fierce competitors with the younger players. Meanwhile, CSK's former middle-order batter Uthappa, who has now taken up the role of commentator after his retirement in 2022, said during a show on JioCinema, the official broadcaster of IPL 2023, that if he could play the IPL again, it would be for the Yellow Army. "I am retired but if I could play IPL again, it's CSK man, hands down," he said.

The former Indian wicketkeeper-batter was one of the stars of the Kolkata Knight Riders, who played a crucial role in their title efforts in the 2012 and 2014 seasons. He was traded to CSK by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of IPL 2021 Player Auction, and he featured for them that season and the following season. In 2021, he played only four games and scored 115 runs, but the next year, he amassed 230 runs in 12 matches with a healthy strike rate of 134.50.

Meanwhile, CSK will face defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, May 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Here's how fans reacted to Robin Uthappa's statement: 

He is an KKR legend but Still see he wants to play for CSK 💛💛
CSK IS THE GREATEST 🛐🛐🐐🐐

— Seb Bazz (@Seb5Bazz42) May 23, 2023

Inner Uthappa - "No other team will even give my name in the list for Auction except CSK" 😀😀

— Umair (@imumair10) May 23, 2023

He loves playing under msd than Gautam Gambhir

— Prajwal (@Prajwal2742) May 23, 2023

Because he knows that only that franchise signs Grandpa's 🤷‍♂️

— Em!N€nt $oC!@li$t (@Insane__Emi) May 23, 2023

Streets won't forget robbie and mo hitting sixes in 2021 final.

— Ronald Speirs (@KiGi_97) May 23, 2023

Bodied kkr where he won the orange cap

— Cricket Fever (@Cricket92047457) May 23, 2023

If gaddar has a synonym then it's definitely Uthappa 😡

Kkr made him what he is today 😡

— Sayon🧂 (@_sayon___) May 23, 2023

The fact is no one would take an old man except CSK, they back experienced players.

— Pratik (@PratikG52264004) May 23, 2023

As if other teams are dying to play him.

— 😶 (@Parth37019714) May 23, 2023

KKR only gave lot of opportunities for him . But this guy forgot all those stuffs because KKR denied captaincy for him .. worst Robby🤐🤐🤐🤐😡😡😡

— Rinku's Fan (@Karups80) May 23, 2023