Ignored Robin Uthappa becomes first batsman to cross 1000-run mark in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

New Delhi: Hard-working Robin Uttappa, who has done everything to make a return to national team, once again proved his worth by becoming the first batsman to cross the 1000-run mark in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

The 30-year-old Karnataka batsman achieved the feat while en route his knock of 48 against Odisha which enabled Karnataka to take an easy six wicket win on Friday. His brilliance with the bat is certainly one of the highlights of Karnataka's gloomy domestic season this term.

He has so far scored 205 runs in the five games so far at an average of 41 and strike-rate of a 139.45 in the premier domestic T20 competition this season.

Besides, in his 183 T20 matches -- including games for India and Indian Premier League franchises -- Uthappa has scored an astonishing 4,665 runs at an average of 29.71.

Yet he continues to be a peripheral player when it comes to national colours.