Galle: Manav Suthar’s 10-wicket match haul in only his second Test has given India a glimpse of their next spin leader, as the 24-year-old left-arm spinner scripted a memorable 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test here.
Suthar took four wickets in Sri Lanka’s first innings before returning with 6/55 in the second, becoming the architect of India’s victory on a wearing Galle surface. His six-wicket burst on the final day included three wickets in six balls, decisively ending Sri Lanka’s resistance.
The performance also extended a remarkable start to his Test career. Suthar, who took a five-wicket haul on debut against Afghanistan, has now registered a five-for in each of his first two Tests and already has 10 wickets in a single match.
His emergence comes at an important juncture for Indian cricket, with Ravichandran Ashwin having retired from international cricket and Ravindra Jadeja moving towards the twilight of a remarkable career.
Suthar’s success has been backed by meticulous preparation. Before the Sri Lanka tour, he trained at the BCCI Centre of Excellence under former India spinner Sunil Joshi, working on his run-up and bowling with Kookaburra balls while simulating Galle’s conditions. He was also sent to play County cricket for Warwickshire, gaining experience with Dukes balls.
Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten called Suthar a “fantastic talent”, while India’s latest spin find now appears ready to take over the baton from the country’s two modern-day spin greats.
Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar commended Suthar’s exemplary line and length, noting that his accuracy under pressure makes him a very strong contender for India’s long-term Test plans.
