India would miss Uthappa in World T20: Jennings

Mumbai:

Royal Challengers Bangalore coach Ray Jennigs on Friday expressed his surprise over the selectors' decision to leave out hard-hitting batsman Robin Uthappa from the Indian squad for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup.

"I am very surprised that they have left Robin out. He's a really exciting, damaging type of cricketer. As a second wicket-keeper as well, he has kept really well and he has batted well. Every time he has got in, he has got a 200 per cent strike rate," Jennings said here.

"His presence is going to be missed. I am very surprised that they haven't tried him. I don't know if they can include him because they didn't include him in the original 30. But to me, he would definitely be missed by India," he added.

The RCB coach was pleased with the work ethics of another Karnataka cricketer R Vinay Kumar, who has found a berth in the Twenty20 squad for the West Indies.

"Vinay Kumar is going to develop with more experience. He really works hard. I am pleased for him because guys like that deserve what they get. I am sure he is going to do well."

Jennings also felt that another India prospect, Manish Pandey, who has not been in good touch, was a good player who would come through in the next two or three years.

"I have tried to move him down the order to relieve him of the pressure. But he is a good cricketer and I am sure in the next 2-3 years, he will come through," he added.