India began their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on a winning note after securing a 165-run victory in Galle. While Devdutt Padikkal’s century and India’s overall batting performance played an important role, Manav Suthar emerged as one of the biggest talking points from the contest. The 24-year-old spinner produced another impressive performance with the ball, prompting former India batter Hanuma Vihari to make a big prediction about his future.
Hanuma Vihari explains what makes Manav Suthar special
Suthar was instrumental in India’s victory, picking up 10 wickets across the two innings. He claimed four wickets in the first innings before returning with six more in the second as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 while chasing 372. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Vihari said Suthar’s impact went beyond his wicket tally. He was particularly impressed by the spinner’s wrist position, action and ability to consistently attack the stumps.
“One of the main reasons India won against Sri Lanka was Manav Suthar’s bowling. Not because of his wickets, he was taking them anyway, but the way he was bowling. His major dismissals are LBW and bowled because he attacks the stump line. That is his biggest strength, and his action is also very fluent,” Vihari said.
The former India batter explained that Suthar’s action allows him to stay close to the crease and direct the ball towards the stumps. According to Vihari, this makes dismissals such as LBW and bowled a major part of the spinner’s effectiveness.
Manav Suthar off to a flying start in Test cricket
Vihari went on to make a major prediction about Suthar’s career, backing the youngster to reach the highest level in the longest format. Suthar has certainly made an impressive start to his international career. On his Test debut against Afghanistan, he claimed seven wickets, including a six-wicket haul in the first innings. His performance in Galle was even more significant as he registered his maiden 10-wicket match haul with figures of 10/131.
“I think he will be one of the best bowlers in Test cricket in the future,” Vihari said.
With Ravindra Jadeja continuing to be an important part of India’s Test setup, Suthar’s emergence gives the team another promising left-arm spin option for the future. After just two Tests, Suthar has 17 wickets at an average of 11.35. His domestic record is equally impressive, with 157 wickets in 33 first-class matches at an average of 24.36, including four 10-wicket match hauls.
