Manav Suthar, rising from domestic cricket, made a dream Test debut for India, claiming a seven-wicket match haul against Afghanistan and earning the Player of the Match award. The left-arm spinner's performance helped India win by an innings and 300 runs at Mullanpur.
Performance and Adjustments
Suthar, who had been in the plans for the Indian squad for the last two years due to exceptional domestic performances, revealed his strategy. 'Once I understood that the wicket was a little slow and required some variation in pace, I started making those adjustments. But the main idea was always to make my stock ball as effective as possible,' he said.
Upcoming Challenge Against Sri Lanka
A bigger challenge awaits Suthar in the near future against Sri Lanka, who have much better players of spin bowling. India is scheduled to play a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka from August 15 to 27, part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle.
Coaching Staff Praise
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised the Rajasthan player as the standout performer. 'He really bowled well. He is a good prospect. For the past few years, Suthar has been regularly playing for India A and India Emerging. This was a great opportunity for him and he did well too. In fact, he batted very well so that is actually very satisfying,' said Kotak.
BCCI Pathways Structure
Kotak attributed Suthar's rise to the BCCI's pathways structure. 'In the last three years, he was part of one camp at BCCI's Centre of Excellence which I conducted. He was part of the India team when we played in the Emerging Asia Cup. I feel the BCCI structure helps when you play so many matches before coming to the Test level. From age-group cricket, Ranji Trophy, Emerging to India A, there are a lot of matches. Suthar is one of them who was performing for three to four years. So, good luck to him for the future,' said Kotak.
Exposure from India A Tour
The main exposure for Suthar was the India A stint in the Australia series. 'He was there against England in Ahmedabad, where we played a three-match series. He was someone, the way he bowls, anybody would say he's very, very promising. He has been consistent and he is very hardworking. To be very honest, since I saw him, I more or less knew that he'll play for India. It depends how every individual grows and how quickly they grow,' said the batting coach.
Suthar's debut performance has been described as 'unreal' by many, and he now looks forward to continuing his success at the international level.
