Nitish should be nurtured in Test cricket like Jadeja: Uthappa
The Indian cricket team has been facing a lot of challenges in the ongoing Test series against South Africa. One of the key concerns has been the performance of young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been under fire for his lackluster show in the second Test. However, 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 scored just 10 runs and remained wicketless in the second Test against South Africa. Despite his poor performance, Uthappa believes that Reddy has the potential to become a top-class player and should be given more chances to prove himself. “Jadeja probably wasn’t ready for Test cricket, but MS Dhoni persisted with him,” Uthappa said, highlighting the importance of giving young players time to develop and mature.
Uthappa’s reference to Jadeja is particularly significant, as the latter has gone on to become one of India’s most successful all-rounders in Test cricket. Jadeja’s journey in Test cricket was not without its challenges, and he had to face a lot of criticism and skepticism early on in his career. However, under the leadership of MS Dhoni, Jadeja was given the opportunity to develop and grow, and he has since become a key player for India in the longest format of the game.
Similarly, Uthappa believes that Reddy should be given the same kind of nurturing and support that Jadeja received. “Nitish has shown a lot of promise in the limited opportunities he has got, and I think he should be given more chances to prove himself,” Uthappa said. “He has the potential to become a top-class player, and I think the team management should be patient with him and give him the time and support he needs to develop.”
Uthappa’s comments are not just limited to Reddy’s batting and bowling abilities, but also his overall approach to the game. “Nitish has a lot of enthusiasm and energy, and he is always looking to learn and improve,” Uthappa said. “These are the kind of qualities that you want to see in a young player, and I think he has a bright future ahead of him.”
The Indian team management has been facing a lot of criticism for their handling of young players, with many fans and experts feeling that they are not being given enough opportunities to develop and grow. However, Uthappa believes that the team management is doing the right thing by giving Reddy and other young players a chance to prove themselves. “The team management is doing a great job of identifying and nurturing young talent,” Uthappa said. “They are giving them the opportunities they need to develop and grow, and I think that is a positive sign for Indian cricket.”
In conclusion, Robin Uthappa’s comments on Nitish Kumar Reddy are a timely reminder of the importance of nurturing and developing young players in Test cricket. Reddy may have had a poor outing in the second Test against South Africa, but he has shown a lot of promise in the limited opportunities he has got, and he deserves to be given more chances to prove himself. As Uthappa said, “Nitish should be nurtured in Test cricket like Jadeja,” and it is up to the team management to provide him with the support and opportunities he needs to become a top-class player.