5 controversial revelations by Robin Uthappa in recent podcast appearance amid Asia Cup 2025

Robin Uthappa, a former Indian batter, recently appeared on the YouTube podcast First Umpire during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, where he discussed some incredible and contentious moments in cricket and off the field. Uthappa made his international debut in 2006 against England, and from then until his final T20I in 2016, he represented India in 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is. Although he did not play on the international stage for an extensive period of time, Uthappa carved out a larger domestic and IPL career, retiring from Indian cricket in 2022. On this podcast, Robin reflects on some of the difficulties, regrets, and rough times he encountered. Here are

Uthappa's five biggest revelations from his podcast appearance:

5. Starting to Drink at 28 

Uthappa said he never drank alcohol until he was 28 years old because of the fear that it would affect his cricket performance. Even after he began drinking alcohol, it was purely a social outlet and never involved a party lifestyle. Due to the emotional difficulties he faced at home, he said he never wanted to be distracted, and it would derail his successes.

4. Assault After 2007 World Cup Mishap 

Uthappa recounted a frightening incident from India's disappointing 2007 ODI World Cup run. Upon arriving back at his residence, he discovered multiple air-gun pellet holes in the glass of his balcony, with the visible sign of fan outrage. He explained that the incident caused him to wonder whether he was ever going to play cricket again, let alone for India.

ALSO SEE: IND-W vs AUS-W, 2nd ODI: Match Highlights and Key Performances

3. Drift with Karun Nair

Uthappa described a media twist causing a misunderstanding between himself and fellow Karnataka teammate Karun Nair. After a media brief embraced his criticism of how Test caps were obtained, a colleague led Nair to believe the comments were about him. After that incident, Nair, after making a few distant statements, did seem to "distance" himself from Uthappa. Uthappa eventually departed Karnataka after the 2016-17 season, having a distinguished career with 99 first-class matches.

2. Transfer from MI to RCB in 2009

Uthappa also narrated follow-up experiences regarding his IPL transfer. Although Uthappa expressed loyalty to MI, the franchise traded him and Manish Pandey to RCB to acquire Zaheer Khan in 2009. Uthappa described the experience as not being as gratifying, but said he played two seasons and scored over 500 runs while at RCB.

1. Starting to Smoke During IPL 2021

The most personal admission was when Uthappa dropped that while playing for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021, he had engaged in smoking as a way of relieving stress and frustration. He explained that since he received very little playing time, he was having an internal struggle and chose to smoke. Uthappa disclosed to his son in early 2023 that he had progressed from occasional smoking to a few cigarettes a day.

Final Thoughts

There is power through Uthappa's honesty in the sharing of these experiences to help understand the hidden demons cricketers confront beyond the sport. While many cricket supporters will remember Uthappa for his flamboyance with the bat and success in the IPL, his story is equally, if not more, about struggles, misunderstandings, and challenges, such as swallowing drugs that have taken place during his playing career.