Manav Suthar is drawing attention as a classical left-arm spinner, with observers noting his unique bowling style. His progression has been steady, aiming to provide India with an all-weather finger spinner for the future. Former India cricketer Maninder Singh has praised Suthar’s technique, highlighting the way the ball leaves his hand and his excellent seam position.
Singh, who observed Suthar in a Test match against Afghanistan and some IPL games, believes the spinner has a bright future in international cricket. He noted Suthar’s simple run-up, action, and the beautiful release of the ball, suggesting these elements are a result of extensive practice. The sound the ball makes upon release, due to the revolutions imparted, has also impressed close-in fielders.
Suthar’s Impact and International Exposure
Suthar’s ability to impart significant revolutions on the ball, creating drift and deception, has been a key factor in his success. This skill allows him to beat batters in the air, a quality that has been noted since his domestic cricket days and continued through India A fixtures. The ‘revs on the ball’ concept, which had become less common with the rise of shorter formats, has been revitalized by Suthar’s approach.
His talent also gained recognition in England, where he joined Warwickshire for county cricket. Head coach Ian Westwood expressed satisfaction with Suthar’s signing, noting his potential to succeed in competitive environments. Despite playing only two games for Warwickshire, Suthar made a positive impression within the team.
Suthar’s adaptability was evident when he transitioned from his Test debut against Afghanistan to a county fixture against Yorkshire with only a three-day turnaround. The game against Afghanistan concluded in Mullanpur on June 8, and he was on the field for Warwickshire in Scarborough by June 12. Westwood highlighted Suthar’s readiness and impact, including his useful contributions with the bat lower down the order.
Coaches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) have commended Suthar’s work ethic. After technical adjustments, such as shortening his delivery stride, he performed well in ‘A’ challenges. His dedication to preparation ensures he is ready for opportunities, and coaches emphasize that his work ethic facilitates seamless adjustments.
Strategic Importance and Current Developments
Maninder Singh further explained that Suthar’s revolutions create drift, which is a significant advantage. This allows him to take wickets on various surfaces, without needing a turning pitch. Singh believes Suthar has the potential to be India’s sole spinner in overseas matches in the future due to his ability to pick up wickets in any conditions.
Before heading to Sri Lanka, Suthar visited the CoE to refine his spin bowling techniques, receiving advice on utilizing wind conditions in places like Galle. The guidance emphasized using the breeze to his advantage and ensuring the ball finishes on the stumps, adapting drift according to the wind.
Since his arrival in Colombo in early August, Suthar has shown impressive form in net sessions, warm-up games, and sessions in Galle. His performance has led the team management to consider fielding three spinners, a rare occurrence, even if all of them are left-arm orthodox.
This consideration comes as India prepares for the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, where they are expected to field three specialist spinners in the playing XI. This would mark the first time in nearly four years that India has included three specialist spinners in an away Test. Bowling Coach Morne Morkel hinted at the possibility of fielding three left-arm spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, and Ravindra Jadeja.
The last instance of India playing three spinners in an away Test was against Bangladesh in Chittagong in December 2022, when Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav were in the lineup. In that match, Kuldeep recorded career-best figures of 5/40 in the first innings and 3/73 in the second. Kuldeep has played only one Test in Sri Lanka previously, in Pallekele in 2017.
Former India spinner Murali Kartik believes Kuldeep Yadav is now receiving more game time under Gautam Gambhir, having featured in six Tests in the last two years. Kartik advocates for viewing Kuldeep solely as a match-winning spinner, without concern for his batting contributions. Kuldeep, who will turn 32 in December, has played 18 Tests since his debut in 2017.
In India’s last Test match against Afghanistan in June this year, Manav Suthar made a notable debut with figures of 6/33 in the first innings.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
