While he did not name anyone specifically, his comments appeared to be directed towards Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with whom he has had arguments in multiple games.
Since his inclusion in the ICC Elite Panel in June 2020, Nitin Menon has officiated in 15 Tests, 24 ODIs, and 20 T20 Internationals, gaining significant experience and recognition in a relatively short period.
Speaking ahead of his debut in the Ashes 2023 series, Menon shared his thoughts with PTI. He stated, “When India plays home matches, there is a tremendous hype. Many big stars in the Indian team attempt to create pressure on umpires in order to obtain those 50-50 decisions in their favor.”
“However, as umpires, we need to maintain control of the situation and not let their actions affect us. I have the ability to handle any situation and not crumble under pressure. In fact, it is the pressure that has contributed to my growth as an umpire.”
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Menon acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with leading the Indian international panel of umpires during home matches. He believes that the past three years have been instrumental in his development as an umpire, and he is grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped his career.
Nitin Menon To Make Debut In The Third Ashes Match
The ongoing Ashes series will see Nitin Menon officiating in the third Test match. He expressed his excitement about the prospect, stating, “It is going to be an exhilarating experience for me. I had a firsthand encounter with the ‘Bazball’ when I was in England for their matches against South Africa last year.”
Menon’s exposure to international cricket in various countries will undoubtedly aid him in maintaining a fair and unbiased approach during the high-stakes Ashes encounters.
As cricket continues to captivate fans worldwide, the role of umpires remains pivotal in ensuring fair play and upholding the spirit of the game. Nitin Menon’s candid remarks shed light on the challenges faced by umpires in India, particularly when dealing with star players seeking favorable decisions.
As he prepares for his Ashes debut, Menon’s ability to handle pressure and maintain his composure will be critical in delivering accurate decisions and contributing to the smooth flow of the highly-anticipated series.