The hard-hitting Karnataka opener, who has been out of reckoning since 2008, said Yusuf apart, Sachin Tendulkar`s form over the next couple of months will also be crucial to India`s fortunes.
"Yusuf Pathan is the biggest surprise package. He can do the talking with both bat and ball," Uthappa told PTI from Visakhapatnam where he is representing South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final.
The 25-year-old Karnataka player said that it would be a tough call between Suresh Raina and Pathan for the number seven spot.
"With Sachin back, it will be a tough call... If he gets a chance, Yusuf can be really devastating down the order," Uthappa, who was bought for a whopping USD 2.1 million (approx Rs 9.66 crore) by Indian Premier League franchise Sahara Pune Warriors, said.
A vital cog in India`s wheel during the team`s triumphant campaign in the inaugural edition of the ICC World Twenty20 in 2007, Uthappa said the entire country will be behind Tedulkar, who, in all likelihood, would be featuring in his last World Cup.
"No particular role should be assigned to him... Sachin Tendulkar should go there and be like Sachin Tendulkar. We must send all positive energies and give all the support needed. Hope he is able to express himself fully. It will do wonders to the side," he said.
Known for his clean hitting against fast bowlers, Uthappa said, "If all play to strength and potential we can definitely win it. We have the class and recent history in the sub-continent is phenomenal. We are definitely the best bet."
"Pressure definitely will be there. It`s a World Cup afterall, the competition of highest standard. There is going to be pressure on players. Hype is pretty much normal. We must get used to this. I don`t think hype will have any negative impact on the side," he said on the buzz surrounding the event being co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.