23 August,2026 10:59 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Keshav Maharaj, Manav Suthar (Pic: File Pic)
In the first Test match against Sri Lanka, Team India's Manav Suthar showcased his exceptional skills with the ball at the Galle International Stadium near Galle Fort.
The tweaker claimed four wickets for 76 runs in 21.4 overs in the first innings, whereas he then returned with the figures of six wickets for 55 runs in 23.4 overs in the second essay.
Following his stunning performances, South Africa's star spinner Keshav Maharaj heaped praise on him.
"To be honest, I haven't watched much of the Test match but watching highlights that pop up on social media, I think he started off his career on the right foot," he said.
He then stated that Team India has found a real gem in Suthar and said that he has subtle variations.
"The way he has bowled in this Test match, just judging from his figures (4/71 and 6/55), I think India have found a real gem in him to take over the baton one day when the legends of the game decide to call it a day," said Maharaj.
"He's got really good control and subtle variations. I know he's done well in county cricket (for Warwickshire) when he did play if I'm not mistaken. But yeah, wonderful," he added.
After concluding the first Test match, the Shubman Gill-led men have now entered the second Test match against the Sri Lankans at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo.
The visitors will expect Suthar to replicate his performances from the first Test match.
The ongoing Test series is one of the important series for Team India in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The win in the second Test match against Sri Lanka will be crucial for Team India to keep hopes alive for the WTC final.
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
Sri Lanka: Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwell (WK), Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando.
(With PTI Inputs)
