Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar made a memorable Test debut by picking up three wickets and helping India take control of the one-off Test against Afghanistan at Mullanpur. After India declared their first innings at 564 for 8, Suthar's spell of 3 for 21 in 13 overs reduced the visitors to 113 for 5 at stumps on Day 2.
India's Mammoth Total
India posted their highest Test total against Afghanistan, thanks to centuries from Shubman Gill (126) and a fluent 81 from Rishabh Pant. Gill's knock came off 177 balls, while Pant silenced his critics with a stroke-filled innings, hitting signature shots before falling to debutant left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote while attempting a six. Dhruv Jurel failed to capitalize on a start, but Washington Sundar (55) and Suthar added 54 runs for the seventh wicket to push the total past 500. Afghanistan's Mohammad Saleem was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 6 for 140, his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests.
Suthar's Dream Debut
Brought into the attack early on Day 2, Suthar struck in his very first over by removing opener Abdul Malik, who tried to sweep but found Mohammed Siraj at deep square leg. He then dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who attempted another sweep but edged to Sai Sudharsan. Suthar's third wicket came when Afsar Zazai closed the face of the bat early, offering a simple return catch. His classical left-arm spin, reminiscent of former Indian spinner Maninder Singh, featured a diagonal run-up, high release point, and subtle variations that troubled the Afghan batters.
Afghanistan's Struggle
Afghanistan's response was shaky, with Prasidh Krishna taking 2 for 27, including the prized wicket of skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi. At stumps, the visitors were 113 for 5, still trailing by 451 runs. Suthar's spell, combined with disciplined bowling from the other end, left Afghanistan with a mountain to climb.
Mohammad Saleem's Grit
Earlier, Mohammad Saleem, returning from a groin injury, bowled tirelessly in the heat to claim his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The 24-year-old dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sudharsan, Gill, Jurel, Suthar, and Siraj to finish with 6 for 140. His effort was a bright spot for Afghanistan in an otherwise tough day.
