Umpires, like players, have form, according to ICC Elite Panel umpire Nitin Menon, and when in good form, he tries to officiate in as many games as possible without taking any breaks.
Nitin Menon, who impressed with his accuracy in his first series as an ICC ‘Elite Panel’ umpire, believes that pressure conditions bring out the best in him, and he, like cricketers, wants to make the most of this purple patch. The 37-year-old Indore native was inducted into the ICC’s elite panel of umpires in June of last year, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but had to wait until February of this year for his first major assignment. Menon officiated in all four Tests between India and England, as well as three of the five T20Is and three ODIs, owing to the pandemic forcing the ICC to nominate local umpires in a bilateral series.
He was showered with appreciation for his excellent performance by the end of it.
Menon, who is currently quarantining in Chennai ahead of the IPL, reflected fondly on his arduous assignment in an interview with PTI.
“The previous two months have been amazing. When others note and appreciate your hard work, it gives you a great sense of accomplishment “Menon remarked.
“This series was always going to be difficult because of the excitement surrounding it – a spot in the World Test Championship final on the line, both teams coming off impressive overseas victories, and difficult pitches to officiate on.”
“As for the white-ball series, it featured the world’s two top-ranked teams. Taking all of these factors into account, I am pleased that we did well as an umpiring squad,” said Menon, who joins S Venkataraghavan and S Ravi as the only other Indians on the ICC elite panel.