Indian umpire Nitin Menon highlighted his experience as a match official ahead of his debut match in the Ashes 2023. The umpire will officiate in the last three fixtures of the Ashes 2023 series beginning on Thursday, July 6. Notably, Nitin was included in the ICC’s Elite Panel in June 2020 but was able to officiate in Indian fixtures due to COVID-19 travel restriction which was in place for foreigners. But still, he got the chance to officiate in a few of T20 World Cup fixtures in UAE & Australia & was part of an umpiring team of England’s home series against South Africa.
With plethora of experience in his kitty, Nitin shredded life on his illustrious career span. He also explained how he has flourished as an umpire ahead of his much awaited debut in the Ashes 2023. He further added that umpiring at home conditions has helped him to handle pressure created by the players.
“It has been an amazing experience working in the Indian sub-continent in the first two years, doing Test matches and then getting to officiate in T20 World Cups in Australia and Dubai. I am working with the best match officials and players have added to my umpiring experience. I have learned a lot about my own character, how I behave under pressure, so lots of positives,” Nitin told in an interview with PTI.
Players try to get those 50-50 decisions in their favour, said Memon
In an interesting revelation Menon said that officiating fixtures at home is quite tough. This is because Indian players try to create a lot of pressure during those fixtures & get those 50-50 chances in their favour. But staying focused in those situations is the key for any umpire to flourish said Menon.
“When India plays in India there is a lot of hype, a 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 favor 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 worked up by the pressure created by players. That has given me a lot of self-confidence,” Menon concluded.
Nitin Menon enjoys a vast & celebrated career as he has officiated in 102 fixtures comprising 18 Tests, 44 oDIs & 40 T20Is. The fiery Ashes 2023 between Australia & England will mark the beginning of WTC 2023-2025 cycle.
Also read, BCB Apologizes After Security Personnel Assaults Journalist
