Nitish should be nurtured in Test cricket like Jadeja: Uthappa
The Indian cricket team has been facing a lot of challenges in recent times, especially in the Test format. The team has been struggling to find the right balance and consistency, and one of the areas of concern has been the all-rounder position. However, former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes that India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has the potential to make a significant impact in Test cricket, and he should be given more opportunities to nurture his skills.
Uthappa, who has played for India in all formats of the game, feels that Nitish should be handled in a similar way to how Ravindra Jadeja was nurtured by the Indian team management, particularly by MS Dhoni. “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 fair chance to develop their skills and gain experience in the international arena.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made his Test debut recently, had a disappointing start to his career. In the second Test against South Africa, he scored just 10 runs and remained wicketless. However, Uthappa believes that this is not a true reflection of his potential and that he deserves more opportunities to prove himself. “We need to give him time and space to grow, just like we did with Jadeja,” Uthappa added.
Uthappa’s comments are significant, given the similarities between Jadeja’s and Nitish’s careers. Both players started their careers as all-rounders, with a focus on their bowling skills. However, over time, Jadeja has developed into one of the most reliable and consistent all-rounders in the world, known for his skills with both bat and ball. Uthappa believes that Nitish has the potential to follow a similar path, but he needs to be given the opportunity to develop his skills and gain experience.
One of the key factors that contributed to Jadeja’s success was the faith shown in him by the Indian team management, particularly by MS Dhoni. Dhoni, who was the captain of the Indian team at the time, persisted with Jadeja even when he was not performing well. He gave him the freedom to express himself and develop his skills, which ultimately paid off. Uthappa believes that a similar approach should be taken with Nitish, who has shown promise in the domestic circuit and has the potential to make a significant impact in international cricket.
The Indian team management has been facing criticism for their handling of young players, with many feeling that they are not being given enough opportunities to develop their skills. The case of Nitish Kumar Reddy is a classic example of this, with many feeling that he was thrown into the deep end without being given enough time to prepare. However, Uthappa’s comments suggest that this approach may be short-sighted, and that giving young players time and space to grow is essential for their development.
In conclusion, Robin Uthappa’s comments highlight the importance of nurturing young players and giving them the opportunity to develop their skills. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has shown promise in the domestic circuit, deserves more opportunities to prove himself in Test cricket. By handling him in a similar way to how Ravindra Jadeja was nurtured, the Indian team management can help him develop into a reliable and consistent all-rounder. This approach may take time, but it is essential for the long-term success of the Indian cricket team.
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