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New Delhi: Only the second Indian to be inducted into the ICC’s Elite Panel of Umpires, Sundaram Ravi feels many of his compatriots are on the verge of breaking into the top bracket after improving their skills by officiating in the IPL.
“In the last five-six years, the standard of Indian umpires has gone up because of our umpires standing in the IPL, which is an international standard tournament,” Ravi told ‘ESPNCricinfo’.
“They get to work with elite umpires and referees from different countries. They get to interact with international players, coaches, support staff and other stakeholders. All these things have made Indian umpires better. I am sure in the near future at least one or two more will make it to the elite panel.
“A couple of them (Indian umpires) are now nominated for the World T20 qualifiers in Scotland and Ireland next month.
That’s a big tournament for them. If they do well, they can get on to the emerging panel and move up the ladder. Indian umpires are capable enough to officiate in Test matches and ODIs and get on to the elite panel,” he added.
Ravi became the first Indian after S Venkatraghavan to be placed in the ICC Elite Panel, ending an 11-year-wait. The Chennai-based umpire credited celebrated Australian Simon Taufel for his rise.
“I have been working very closely with Simon for the last three years almost. I have learnt a lot from him, right from preparation to getting into the game, decision making, handling big players, match management skills, the man- management skills, how to get out of setbacks,” he said.
“All those skills have helped me to become a better umpire. I am very thankful to Simon, it is because of him that I have achieved this dream.”
Speaking about his journey, Ravi said he had dreamt of making the top league.
“I was working hard for this. I was expecting it because I was on the emerging panel of ICC and after having a good World Cup I thought I should be there and I got the nod from the selectors,” Ravi said.
The 49-year-old has officiated in six Tests, 24 ODIs and 12 T20Is since 2011, including three matches in the World Cup this year.
“As umpires, who are umpiring at the highest level of the game, we are bound to be scrutinised by the media, the players, and the captains,” he said.
“We should be prepared for that. If you make an error, it will be highlighted, technology will expose you at some stage or the other. You should be prepared for that, learn from that error and move on. You can’t do much about it.”
