Nitish should be nurtured in Test cricket like Jadeja: Uthappa
The Indian cricket team has been on a roll in recent years, with a plethora of talented players making their mark on the international stage. One such player who has been making headlines is Nitish Kumar Reddy, a young all-rounder who has been touted as a potential game-changer for the team. However, Reddy’s recent performance in the second Test against South Africa has raised some eyebrows, with many questioning his ability to perform at the highest level.
Despite the criticism, former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has come out in support of the young all-rounder, stating that he should be given more opportunities in Test cricket and nurtured like all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Uthappa’s comments are significant, as he has been a part of the Indian team in the past and has a deep understanding of the game.
“Jadeja probably wasn’t ready for Test cricket, but MS Dhoni persisted with him,” Uthappa said in a recent interview. This statement highlights the importance of giving young players a chance to prove themselves, even if they don’t perform immediately. Jadeja, who is now considered one of the best all-rounders in the world, was not always the finished product. He had to work his way up, and it was the faith shown by Dhoni and the Indian team management that helped him become the player he is today.
Uthappa’s comments are particularly relevant in the context of Reddy’s performance in the second Test against South Africa. The young all-rounder scored just 10 runs and remained wicketless, leading to questions about his ability to perform at the highest level. However, Uthappa believes that Reddy should not be judged solely on one performance, and that he deserves more opportunities to prove himself.
Reddy’s selection in the Indian team was seen as a bold move by many, as he had not played much first-class cricket before making his debut. However, his performances in the domestic circuit and in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had caught the attention of the selectors, who believed that he had the potential to make a significant impact at the international level.
While Reddy’s performance in the second Test was not impressive, it is worth noting that he is still a young player who is learning the ropes of international cricket. He has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, and it is unfair to judge him solely on one performance. Uthappa’s comments are a reminder that young players need time to develop and mature, and that they should not be written off after one or two bad performances.
The Indian team management has been known to be patient with young players, and it is likely that Reddy will get more opportunities to prove himself in the future. The team’s captain, Rohit Sharma, has been vocal about the need to give young players a chance to settle into the team, and it is likely that Reddy will be given more opportunities to prove himself.
In conclusion, Robin Uthappa’s comments about Nitish Kumar Reddy are a timely reminder that young players need to be nurtured and given time to develop. Reddy’s performance in the second Test against South Africa may not have been impressive, but it is unfair to judge him solely on one performance. The Indian team management should take a leaf out of MS Dhoni’s book and persist with Reddy, giving him more opportunities to prove himself in Test cricket. After all, as Uthappa said, Jadeja probably wasn’t ready for Test cricket, but Dhoni’s faith in him helped him become the player he is today.
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