Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
Nitin Menon, the latest Indian entrant in the list of ICC Elite umpires panel, feels that the quarantine period before every series will take a toll mentally on the umpires. He also expressed that keeping an eye on the bowlers and restricting them from applying saliva will be a challenge for umpires.
“The main challenge will be of ball management, more so in Tests. Initially, we will give friendly warning to the players before applying the law, like we do it when someone is running dangerously on the pitch. 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 this month), then we will know more on how to go about recent changes made in the game,” said the umpire, who was born into a family which has a history in umpiring.

The Indian umpire hopes to be a part of the Ashes series in the future.
“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,” the 36-year-old said.
The ICC has stated that in the aftermath of the COVID-19 break, there will be no neutral umpire rule.
“Mentally, it will be challenging, because we will have to quarantine ourselves. I am told the umpires for the England-West Indies series 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: England vs West Indies Test series: Who are the key players to watch?
Menon, who made his umpiring debut back in 2016, said that will be a challenge to keep an eye on the bowlers.
“Wearing gloves could be an individual choice for umpires but we have decided that we will keep sanitisers in our pockets. After the fall of a wicket and drinks break, we have to hold the ball, so just to be safe. And by chance if a players put saliva on the ball, we will have to immediately sanitise it. That will be the job of the fourth umpire. He will come to the middle with wipes and sanitise the ball. But we need to follow that protocol only if we see the saliva being applied only then.”
In the near future, Menon will be officiating matches in India.
“We are waiting for the feedback of the umpires who will officiate in the England’s home series against West Indies and Pakistan. Whatever protocols the ICC sets, we will follow that. If you are a home umpire, there is additional pressure to get the decisions right. Now I am in the elite panel, that pressure will not be there. Obviously, being in the elite panel has its own challenges and you have to keep performing to remain there after the annual review.”
Of late, India has not able to produce the best umpires, but Menon believes that will change in the future.
“There is a culture shift happening in Indian umpiring. The umpires that are coming up in domestic cricket are in their early 40s. It is a flourishing profession and great platform for someone like me who wanted to play for the country but can can still represent it as an umpire. If we can develop our mentality that it is not just about umpiring in the elite panel, it is about match management, communication skills and body language, you will see more of us there. We are almost there.
“And players will test us for sure but if you feel the decision that you have taken is right, then you have to stand up to the the players. They will respect that even if you are a Virat Kohli or Steve Smith,” concluded Menon.
Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.
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