RPS v KKR Player of the match: Robin Uthappa

Uthappa's support — to the bowlers and the captain later on — helped KKR chase down the target with 11 balls to spare.

Robin Uthappa acknowledges after scoring his half-century.

Over the years, Robin Uthappa has established himself as a valuable player in the Kolkata Knight Riders' squad. Despite not being a regular wicketkeeper at domestic level, Uthappa has earned the trust of the team management and the captain to become a regular gloveman for the side.

On Wednesday, Uthappa proved once again that he is not only a crucial member in the KKR's batting line-up but also a trustworthy wicketkeeper.

There were no tricks involved in the three stumpings Uthappa produced, but it was the quick and swift reaction which took centre-stage. After all, they ensured the dismissal of three important batsmen in the Rising Pune Supergiant side — Ajinkya Rahane, M. S. Dhoni and Manoj Tiwary.

When Sunil Narine was run out early during the Kolkata Knight Riders' innings, it was Uthappa who provided the much-needed support at the other end to Gambhir. Uthappa went on to score 87 off 66 balls. Along with Gambhir, he made sure KKR was never far away from the required run-rate. His 158-run partnership for the second wicket was another display of KKR's wealthy and sturdy batting line-up.

Uthappa's support — to the bowlers and the captain later on — helped KKR chase down the target with 11 balls to spare.