Suthar's Galle heroics sparks comparisons to Indian spin greats
Manav Suthar's rise in Test cricket has gained significant momentum after his Player-of-the-Match performance against Sri Lanka in Galle, drawing praise from former players and comparisons to Indian spin legends. The 24-year-old, playing only his second Test, was instrumental in India's 165-run victory, a result that has intensified the spotlight on his burgeoning international career.
Chopra: Suthar an 'upgraded version' of Jadeja
Former India batter Aakash Chopra has endorsed Suthar as the long-term successor to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, going as far as to call the young spinner an 'upgraded version' of the senior statesman, specifically as a bowler. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra was effusive in his praise, highlighting Suthar's unique ability to trouble batters even while defending.
"I will say yes because he is a mighty guy. When he releases the ball, it drifts, bounces, and turns. He dismisses you while defending. When you can make the opposing batter lick dust while defending, and that too repeatedly, that tells you this guy has the might," Chopra said.
The former opener elaborated on Suthar's potential beyond the turning tracks of Asia, citing his batting ability as a key factor. "Along with that, he also bats, which means you can keep him in mind even in overseas conditions. I am seeing him as a successor to Ravindra Jadeja because Jaddu will go at some stage, and you will need somebody like him. If I look at him purely as a bowler, I think he is Jadeja's upgraded version," he added.
Maninder Singh: 'A class act' with the X-factor
Adding to the chorus of approval, former India left-arm spinner Maninder Singh expressed his admiration for Suthar's classical technique. Maninder, who played 35 Tests between 1982 and 1993, told The Hindu that he was first impressed by Suthar during the Indian Premier League and has since been captivated by his rhythm and action.
"I'm very impressed with him. I got impressed when I first saw him during the IPL. The ball coming out of his hand is a sight. When I'm judging a spinner, I'm always seeing how the ball comes out of the hand. He is a class act," Maninder said.
Maninder, who himself modelled his game on the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi, saw shades of the greats in the young bowler's method. "He is someone who can turn the ball on any kind of surface. It is because he has got a very rhythmic run-up, a nice action, and that release and follow-through. He has got everything that a spinner needs," assessed the 61-year-old.
When asked if Suthar reminded him of his own style, Maninder deflected the praise, instead invoking his own idol. "No, I wasn't great at all. Bishan paji, yes, he was the greatest ever. I have never seen a spinner like him. Suthar has got the material. I can see him playing for India for a long time," he said.
Match performance backs the hype
The performances in Galle provided a solid statistical foundation for such glowing endorsements. After starting his Test career against Afghanistan in June with a seven-wicket match haul, Suthar bowled India to victory against Sri Lanka, claiming four for 76 in the first innings and following it up with exceptional figures of six for 55 in the second.
His impact was immediate, as he struck with his first delivery of the match to remove Dinesh Chandimal. He later accounted for Lahiru Udara, using flight and turn to keep the batters under constant pressure. India bowled Sri Lanka out for 284 in the first innings, taking a significant 178-run lead. Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja also contributed with wickets.
Suthar, who hails from Sri Ganganagar, has a Player of the Match performance in his debut Test to his name, further fueling the narrative of a special talent who is still early in his international journey.