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 young players who has been under the spotlight is Nitish Kumar Reddy. The all-rounder has been struggling to make an impact in the series, and there have been questions raised about his inclusion in the team. 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 after Reddy’s disappointing 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 valuable player for India in the long run. “Jadeja probably wasn’t ready for Test cricket, but MS Dhoni persisted with him,” Uthappa said. “I think we should do the same with Nitish. He has shown glimpses of his talent, and with more opportunities, he can develop into a top-class player.”
Uthappa’s reference to Jadeja is significant, as the all-rounder has been one of India’s most consistent players in recent years. Jadeja’s journey to becoming a Test regular was not easy, and he had to face a lot of criticism and skepticism along the way. However, under the guidance of MS Dhoni, Jadeja was given the opportunity to develop his skills and eventually became a key player for India.
Similarly, Uthappa believes that Reddy needs to be given the same kind of support and guidance. “Nitish has the potential to become a game-changer for India,” Uthappa said. “He has the skills, the talent, and the dedication. What he needs is the opportunity to develop his game and gain experience. I think the team management should persist with him and give him the chance to prove himself.”
Uthappa’s comments are not just limited to Reddy’s batting and bowling abilities. He also believes that the young all-rounder has the potential to become a top-class fielder. “Nitish is an exceptional fielder,” Uthappa said. “He has the agility, the athleticism, and the throwing ability to become one of the best fielders in the world. With more experience and guidance, he can develop into a top-class all-rounder who can contribute to the team in all three departments.”
The ongoing Test series against South Africa has been a challenging one for India, and the team has been struggling to find the right balance and combination. However, Uthappa believes that Reddy can play a key role in the team’s success in the long run. “India has a rich tradition of producing talented all-rounders,” Uthappa said. “From Kapil Dev to Ravindra Jadeja, we have had some of the best all-rounders in the world. I think Nitish has the potential to join that list, and we should nurture him and give him the opportunity to develop his skills.”
In conclusion, Robin Uthappa’s comments are a timely reminder that young players like Nitish Kumar Reddy need to be given the opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience. With the right kind of support and guidance, Reddy can become a valuable player for India in the long run. As Uthappa said, “Jadeja probably wasn’t ready for Test cricket, but MS Dhoni persisted with him.” Let us hope that the team management takes a similar approach with Reddy and gives him the chance to prove himself.
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