Nitish should be nurtured in Test cricket like Jadeja: Uthappa
The Indian cricket team has been known for producing talented all-rounders, and one such player who has been making headlines recently is Nitish Kumar Reddy. The young all-rounder has been facing criticism for his performance in the second Test against South Africa, where he scored only 10 runs and remained wicketless. However, former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has come out in support of Reddy, saying that he should be given more opportunities in Test cricket and nurtured like all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Uthappa’s comments come at a time when Reddy is facing intense scrutiny for his performance in the ongoing Test series against South Africa. The 22-year-old all-rounder has been touted as one of the most promising young players in Indian cricket, but his lack of impact in the second Test has raised questions about his readiness for Test cricket. However, Uthappa believes that Reddy has the potential to become a top-class all-rounder and should be given the same kind of support and nurturing that Jadeja received during his early days in Test cricket.
“Jadeja probably wasn’t ready for Test cricket, but MS Dhoni persisted with him,” Uthappa said in a recent interview. “He gave him the confidence and the opportunity to grow, and today Jadeja is one of the best all-rounders in the world.” Uthappa’s comments highlight the importance of giving young players the time and space to develop and mature in international cricket. Jadeja, who made his Test debut in 2012, struggled to make an impact in his early days, but Dhoni’s faith in him and his own hard work paid off, as he has become a key player in the Indian team.
Uthappa’s advice to the Indian team management is to adopt a similar approach with Reddy. “Nitish has the talent and the potential to become a top-class all-rounder,” Uthappa said. “He just needs to be given the opportunity to grow and develop in Test cricket. The team management should have patience with him and give him the time and space to mature as a player.” Uthappa’s comments are significant, as they come from a player who has experience of playing at the highest level. Uthappa, who made his India debut in 2006, played 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is for India, and has also played for various franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The Indian team management has been facing criticism for its handling of young players, with many former players and experts feeling that the team is not giving enough opportunities to young players to develop and mature in international cricket. The case of Reddy is a classic example of this, as he has been in and out of the team without being given a consistent run. However, Uthappa’s comments suggest that the team management should take a more patient and nurturing approach with young players, rather than discarding them after one or two bad performances.
The comparison with Jadeja is also interesting, as both players have similar skills and strengths. Jadeja, who is known for his all-round abilities, has become a key player in the Indian team, and Uthappa believes that Reddy can follow in his footsteps. “Nitish has the same kind of skills and potential as Jadeja,” Uthappa said. “He is a talented batsman and a skilled bowler, and with the right kind of support and nurturing, he can become a top-class all-rounder.”
In conclusion, Uthappa’s comments are a timely reminder of the importance of giving young players the time and space to develop and mature in international cricket. Reddy, who has been facing criticism for his performance in the second Test, should be given more opportunities in Test cricket and nurtured like Jadeja. The Indian team management should take a more patient and nurturing approach with young players, rather than discarding them after one or two bad performances. With the right kind of support and guidance, Reddy can become a top-class all-rounder and a key player in the Indian team.
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