Nitin Menon, the only Indian umpire on the ICC Elite Panel, recently opened up on umpiring in India and said it is not easy for any official considering the pressure players create to get the decisions in their favour. Menon, who joined the Elite Panel in June 2020, got the opportunity to superintend in a significant number of India’s home games due to travel restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since his induction, Menon has officiated in 15 Tests, 24 ODIs, and 20 T20 Internationals. The Indian umpire was also one of the officials in the T20 World Cups in the United Arab Emirates(UAE) and Australia in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Last year, he was in England for their home series against South Africa.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Menon expressed gratitude for the numerous games he has officiated over the past three years. He considered it a blessing in disguise as it has provided him with valuable experience and helped him flourish as an umpire.
“It has been a amazing experience working in 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 best match officials and players has added to my umpiring experience. I have learnt a lot about my own character, how I behave under pressure, so lots of positives,” Nitin was quoted as saying by PTI.
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,” Nitin added
Having conducted in a pressure cooker environment in home matches, Menon shared that he finds overseas supervising comparatively easier. The challenges in high-pressure home games have allowed the 39-year-old to develop resilience and strong decision-making ability. As a result, he feels more confident and better equipped to handle the pressures of umpiring in international matches outside India.
“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,” Nitin slated.
As Menon prepares to make his debut in the Ashes 2023 series and have the experience of umpiring a game in England last year, he knows what to expect.
“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,” said the only Indian umpire in the elite panel.
“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,” concluded Nitin.
