The search for a long-term successor to Ravindra Jadeja as India's spin-bowling all-rounder has been a quiet priority for national selectors. Now, a new name has entered the conversation: Manav Suthar. Suthar's consistent domestic performances have earned him a maiden Test squad call-up for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. This selection makes him the first player from Rajasthan since Pankaj Singh in 2014 to make it to the Test side.
Early Life and Training
Born in Sriganganagar, a district in northern Rajasthan, the 23-year-old left-arm spinner trains at the SK Bihani Cricket Academy under coach Dheeraj Sharma. Recalling Suthar's early days, Sharma said, 'In 2014, Manav's father brought him to the academy, saying, 'Make him a batsman.' After trials, I told him his son's strength lay in bowling, but that we would work on his batting once his spin-bowling skills develop.'
Like most youngsters starting out in cricket, Manav initially wanted to bat. 'My coach saw me bowl and told me to shift my focus toward spin bowling. That single observation changed my direction and started my career,' the young spinner said.
Inspirations and Idols
Manav cited Yuvraj Singh as his favorite player and Ravichandran Ashwin as his idol in spin bowling. 'There is so much to learn just by watching him bowl. I actually got the chance to speak with him during the India 'A' tour. He shared a lot of valuable insights with me,' Suthar added.
Family Support
Manav's father, Jagdish Kumar, a physical education teacher at a private school, enrolled his son in the academy without consulting his wife. 'Her initial reaction was, 'Why? Let him study.' But today she too is proud of him. Since I am a PT teacher, I was always interested in sports, and when I saw my son developing a liking for cricket, I took him to the academy,' he said.
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