Nitin Menon Opens Up About The Biggest Challenge That Umpires Will Have To Face In The Post Covid World And The Series He Wants To Officiate In

Nitin Menon, who recently created history by becoming the youngest umpire to be included in the Elite ICC Panel of Umpires, has reckoned that the main challenge for him and other umpires is to ensure that players do not indulge in using saliva on the ball in the post covid world.

Menon, who left professional cricket at the age of 22, said that he and other umpires will initially give friendly warnings to the players before applying the prescribed law.

“The main challenge will be of ball management, more so in Tests. Initially, we will give a friendly warning to the players before applying the law, like we do it when someone is running dangerously on the pitch,” Nitin Menon told PTI.

“The players are most likely to apply saliva by mistake than deliberately. So, we will act accordingly. More details on playing conditions will come after the series in England (starting next month), then we will know more on how to go about recent changes made in the game,” he added.

“My dream series will be Ashes”- Nitin Menon

Talking about the dream series that he would want to officiate in, Menon pinpointed the Ashes as something he wants to be involved in.

Besides that, Menon also wants to officiate in World Cups be it T20 or ODI.

“My dream series will be Ashes without a doubt. That is the only series I watch on TV. The atmosphere, the way the series is fought is something I want be involve in. Whether in England or Australia I would love to be part of it. And, umpiring in the World Cup, be it T20 or ODI.” Menon revealed.

Just like players, match officials will also be required to quarantine and Menon believes it will take a mental toll on the umpires.

“Mentally, it will be challenging, because we will have to quarantine ourselves. I am told the umpires for the England-West Indies are in their hotel for the last 10 days. So, staying indoors for that long will be a challenge because normally we get to go out and relax after a long day in the field. We will be away from family also,” he said.

Also Read: Nitin Menon Becomes The Third Indian Umpire To Be Included In The ICC Elite Panel