Nitish should be nurtured in Test cricket like Jadeja: Uthappa
The Indian cricket team has always been known for its rich talent pool, with new players emerging on the scene every now and then. One such player who has been making waves in recent times is Nitish Kumar Reddy, an all-rounder who has been trying to make a mark in the Test arena. However, his recent performances have been under scrutiny, and many have been questioning his place in the team. Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has come out in support of the young player, saying that he should be given more opportunities in Test cricket and nurtured like all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Uthappa’s comments come after Reddy’s underwhelming performance in the second Test against South Africa, where he scored just 10 runs and remained wicketless. Despite this, Uthappa believes that Reddy has the potential to become a top-class player and should be given the time and support to develop his skills. “Jadeja probably wasn’t ready for Test cricket, but MS Dhoni persisted with him,” Uthappa said, highlighting the importance of backing young players even when they are not performing at their best.
Jadeja, who is now one of India’s most experienced and successful all-rounders, had a tough start to his Test career. He made his debut in 2012 but struggled to make an impact, scoring just 53 runs in his first five Tests and picking up only two wickets. However, then-captain MS Dhoni stuck with him, and Jadeja eventually repaid his faith with some outstanding performances. Uthappa believes that Reddy should be given the same kind of support and nurturing, allowing him to grow and develop as a player.
The comparison between Reddy and Jadeja is an interesting one, as both players have similar skill sets and play a similar role in the team. Like Jadeja, Reddy is a left-handed batsman and a left-arm orthodox spinner, and he has shown glimpses of his talent in the limited opportunities he has had so far. However, he is still a young player and needs time to adjust to the demands of Test cricket. Uthappa’s comments suggest that he believes Reddy has the potential to become a key player for India in the future, but he needs to be given the time and support to develop his skills.
The Indian team management has been known to back young players and give them the time and support they need to develop. This approach has paid off in the past, with players like Jadeja, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma all benefiting from the faith shown in them by the team management. Uthappa’s comments suggest that Reddy should be given the same kind of support, allowing him to grow and develop as a player without the pressure of immediate results.
The current series against South Africa has been a challenging one for the Indian team, with the visitors winning the first two Tests to take a 2-0 lead. Reddy’s performance in the second Test was disappointing, but Uthappa believes that he should not be judged solely on this one game. “You can’t judge a player on one or two games,” Uthappa said. “You need to give him a longer run and see how he performs over a period of time.” This approach is likely to be adopted by the Indian team management, who will be looking to give Reddy and other young players the time and support they need to develop.
In conclusion, Robin Uthappa’s comments in support of Nitish Kumar Reddy are a timely reminder of the importance of nurturing young players and giving them the time and support they need to develop. Reddy’s performance in the second Test against South Africa may have been disappointing, but he has shown glimpses of his talent in the past and has the potential to become a key player for India in the future. By giving him the same kind of support and nurturing that Jadeja received, the Indian team management can help him grow and develop as a player, and potentially unlock his full potential.
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