Nitish should be nurtured in Test cricket like Jadeja: Uthappa
The Indian cricket team has been facing a tough challenge in the ongoing Test series against South Africa, and one of the players who has been under the spotlight is young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Despite his impressive performances in the domestic circuit, Reddy has struggled to make an impact in the Test arena, and his recent outing in the second Test against South Africa was no exception. The 22-year-old scored just 10 runs and remained wicketless in the match, leaving many to question his place in the team.
However, former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has come out in support of the young all-rounder, saying that he should be given more opportunities in Test cricket and nurtured like all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Uthappa, who played for India in all formats of the game, believes that Reddy has the potential to become a top-class player, but needs to be given the time and space to develop his skills.
“Jadeja probably wasn’t ready for Test cricket, but MS Dhoni persisted with him,” Uthappa said in a recent interview. “He was given a lot of opportunities, and he has gone on to become one of the best all-rounders in the world. I think Nitish should be given the same kind of opportunities and nurtured in a similar way.”
Uthappa’s comments are significant, given that Jadeja has been one of India’s most consistent players in recent years. The left-arm spinner has been a key member of the team, and his all-round skills have been instrumental in India’s success in Test cricket. However, Jadeja’s journey to the top was not without its challenges, and he had to work hard to establish himself as a top-class player.
Reddy, on the other hand, has been touted as one of the most promising young players in Indian cricket. The 22-year-old has been impressive in the domestic circuit, and his performances in the Ranji Trophy and the Indian Premier League (IPL) have earned him a place in the Indian team. However, his transition to Test cricket has not been smooth, and he has struggled to make an impact in the few matches he has played.
Despite his struggles, Uthappa believes that Reddy has the potential to become a top-class player. “Nitish has got a lot of talent, and he has shown that in the domestic circuit,” Uthappa said. “He just needs to be given the time and space to develop his skills, and I’m sure he will come good. He has got the potential to become a top-class all-rounder, and India needs players like him to succeed in Test cricket.”
Uthappa’s comments are not just limited to Reddy, but also reflect the broader challenges faced by young players in Indian cricket. The Indian team has been facing a transition phase, with many senior players retiring or nearing the end of their careers. As a result, there is a need for young players to step up and take responsibility, and Reddy is one of the players who has been identified as a potential successor to the likes of Jadeja and R Ashwin.
However, the road to success is not easy, and Reddy will need to work hard to establish himself as a top-class player. He will need to improve his batting and bowling skills, and develop the mental toughness and resilience required to succeed in Test cricket. But with the support of experienced players like Uthappa and the Indian team management, Reddy can learn from his mistakes and become a better player.
In conclusion, Robin Uthappa’s comments on Nitish Kumar Reddy are a timely reminder of the importance of nurturing young talent in Indian cricket. Reddy has the potential to become a top-class player, but he needs to be given the time and space to develop his skills. With the right support and guidance, he can become a key member of the Indian team and help the country succeed in Test cricket.
About the Author
