Cricket News

Umpire Nitin Menon’s bombshell claims on Indian players

The renowned name in umpiring in international cricket, Nitin Menon took a dig at the players of the Indian Cricket team for putting constant pressure while umpiring during India’s home matches. He said that officiating in overseas matches is much easier than in India.

Notably, Menon is all set to make his debut in the Ashes in the third match of the ongoing Test series between England and Australia. Ahead of it, he said that as there is always a lots of hype for the matches in India and the Indian players always put pressure on umpires to get those 50-50 chances in their favour.

“When India play in India there is a lot of hype, lot of big stars in the Indian team they always try to create pressure on you, they always try to get those 50-50 decisions in favour of them but if we are in control of ourselves under pressure, then we don’t focus on what they are trying to do. It just shows that I am strong enough to handle any situation rather than getting working up by the pressure created by players. That has given me a lot of self confidence,” Menon said in an interview as quoted in Hindustan Times.

“Leading the Indian international panel of umpires at home has also been a big responsibility. I did not have a lot of experience initially (when he entered ICC elite panel) but the last three years has helped me grow as an umpire,” said the only Indian in the elite panel,” he further added.

‘I am very excited about it too as this was my dream’ – Nitin Menon ahead of umpiring in Ashes

Speaking ahead of officiating in a big series against England and Australia, Nitin Menon also shared his experience when he last time when he did umpiring in England in a series against South Africa in 2022. He said that there will be high stakes he will just keep the game between bat and ball will keep it simple while making decisions.

“It will be a great series. I was there last year in England when they hosted South Africa. I could actually see what ‘Bazball’ is. So I know what to expect. Australia have a fantastic bowling line up and the England the way they are playing are redefining test cricket,” Menon said.

“Stakes will be high but for me every match is a game between bat and balll. Will keep it simple just watch the ball and make decisions accordingly. I am very excited about it too as this was my dream. I could not do the previous Ashes as it happened during COVID. So really looking forward to it and hopefully I will give my best shot there,” he added.