IND vs NZ, 2021, 1st Test: Aakash Chopra Lambasts Umpiring Standards On Day 2

Former India player Aakash Chopra once again commented on the “very ordinary standard” of umpiring in the first test between India and New Zealand in Kanpur. Umpires Virender Sharma and Nitin Menon made a few wrong decisions so far as well.

Notably, New Zealand opener Tom Latham turned to the DRS thrice. Even, the LBW decisions were seen to come off inside edges and caught-behinds were overturned as well.

While speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that he has “lost count” of how many times Tom Latham was given out. He also stated that the opener must have wondered if the umpire didn’t like his face. The veteran also pointed to a no-ball from R Ashwin that wasn’t given as well.

“We once again saw the same thing. Umpiring has been of a very ordinary standard. Tom Latham was given out like Shubman Gill but it turned out to be an inside edge. Nitin Menon, who is usually very good, the standard has fallen there as well… How many times did it happen today with Tom Latham? I have actually lost count. On one occasion there was no edge but the bat hit the pad, and the umpire gave him out then do you know what he [would have] said? “This umpire doesn’t like my face or what?” There was one more when Ravichandran Ashwin crossed the return crease, it should have been a no-ball but wasn’t given.”

However, Tom Latham and Young added a spectacular unbeaten 129-run stand on Day 2 before the stumps, successfully surviving India’s ace spinners and experienced pacers on a pitch that stayed low and had some turn too.

Its Not About Neutral But Elite Panel Umpires: Aakash Chopra

Further in the video, Aakash Chopra also opened up on facilitating members of the ICC’s Elite Panel of Umpires to officiate in Test matches. Right now 11 umpires on the panel, including Nitin Menon. Aakash Chopra said:

“Umpiring standards have been very, very ordinary… It’s not about the neutral umpires, it’s about the Elite Panel of Umpires. That is very important if you want to keep the umpiring standards up.”