Manav Suthar emerges as a classical left-arm spin option for India
Manav Suthar is gaining attention as a classical left-arm spinner, with many noting his unique bowling style. Those who have observed his progress describe his wrist action as having a magical quality, allowing the ball to spin sharply. Selectors have been impressed by his abilities, seeing him as a potential all-weather finger spinner for India.
Former India cricketer Maninder Singh has praised Suthar’s technique, highlighting how beautifully the ball comes out of his hand and his excellent seam position. Singh noted that Suthar’s seam points towards the first or second slip, a characteristic he observed during Suthar’s Test match against Afghanistan and in some IPL games. Singh believes Suthar has a promising future and could play for India for an extended period, citing his classical left-arm spin as a rare quality.
Suthar’s Bowling Craft and International Exposure
Suthar’s bowling is characterized by his simple run-up, action, and a smooth release of the ball, which Maninder Singh attributes to extensive practice. Fielders positioned close to the wicket have reportedly noticed the distinct sound the ball makes as it leaves Suthar’s hand, indicating the revolutions he imparts. This ability to generate revolutions creates drift, allowing the ball to cut through the air, which Singh believes will be a significant advantage for Suthar on any surface.
His skills have also been recognized internationally. Suthar joined Warwickshire for a stint in County cricket in England, where he bowled with a different cricket ball and in varying conditions. Head coach Ian Westwood expressed satisfaction with Suthar’s signing, noting that despite playing only two games, he was well-regarded within the team. Westwood highlighted Suthar’s potential to succeed in competitive environments like India’s, emphasizing his ability to take wickets in all conditions due to the revolutions he imparts on the ball.
Suthar’s adaptability was evident when he transitioned from his Test debut against Afghanistan to a County game against Yorkshire in Scarborough with only a three-day turnaround. Westwood noted that Suthar arrived prepared and made an impact, not only with his bowling but also with useful contributions lower down the batting order. This experience in England is seen as beneficial for his overall development and future international assignments.
Potential for India’s Spin Attack
Coaches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) have commended Suthar’s work ethic. After technical adjustments, including shortening his delivery stride, Suthar performed well in India A fixtures. His consistent preparation and ability to adapt are seen as key strengths, enabling him to be ready for opportunities. Before his trip to Sri Lanka, Suthar visited the CoE to refine his spin bowling, receiving advice on utilizing the wind in Galle to his advantage.
Maninder Singh believes that if Suthar can master the art of drift and effectively use the wind, he can become a reliable bowler for the team in any conditions, regardless of the pitch. Singh stated that Suthar has the capability to take wickets both at home and overseas, suggesting he could become India’s sole spinner in overseas Tests in the future.
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel indicated that India might field three left-arm spinners in the upcoming Test against Sri Lanka in Galle: Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, and Ravindra Jadeja. This would mark the first time since December 2022 that India has included three specialist spinners in an away Test playing XI. The last instance was against Bangladesh in Chittagong, where Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav were part of the playing XI.
Kuldeep Yadav, who has played only four overseas Tests since his debut in 2017, will be looking to make an impact in the series. His last overseas Test was against Bangladesh in December 2022. In India’s most recent Test match against Afghanistan in June, Suthar made his debut. Suthar has impressed in net sessions and warm-up fixtures since arriving in Colombo in early August, leading to considerations of fielding three spinners in the upcoming match.
The first Test against Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin on Saturday in Galle.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
