Uthappa led the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) XI in his first match for new outfit against Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) XI in the Captain K Thimmappiah Memorial Cricket Tournament in Bengaluru last month. Though Kerala's skipper for last two seasons, Sachin Baby, didn't play that match due to a nagging injury, there was intense speculation that Uthappa would lead Kerala in domestic cricket this season.
The Kolkata Knight Riders star will also lead the state team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament that follows the Vijay Hazare.
"Uthappa is an India international and we will like to utilise his experience in the best possible way. We have communicated our decision to coach Dav Whatmore and he has expressed no reservation. We have faith in Robin's leadership skills and that's why we have decided to name him captain for the shorter formats," KCA secretary Sreejith V Nair said.
But the KCA secretary maintained that no decision has been taken regarding the leadership role in the Ranji Trophy, where Sachin Baby has admirably led the Kerala team to quarterfinals and semifinals respectively in the last two seasons. "We will evaluate Robin's captaincy once both Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournaments end. Ranji Trophy is beginning only in December. So we still have time to take a decision on Kerala's Ranji Trophy captain," added Sreejith.