New Delhi: India’s newest Test sensation, Manav Suthar, has revealed that he continued practising with the red ball during IPL 2026 after learning he was in contention for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, a decision that ultimately paved the way for a dream debut and a memorable match-winning performance.
The 23-year-old left-arm spinner enjoyed a remarkable start to his international career, claiming 6 for 33 in Afghanistan’s first innings and becoming only the fifth Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut. His performance played a key role in India securing the biggest victory by runs in the country’s Test history.
Suthar, who featured for Gujarat Titans under the captaincy of India’s Test skipper Shubman Gill during IPL 2026, said being informed of his debut by head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management was one of the proudest moments of his life. He described representing India in Test cricket as a lifelong ambition shared by his family, particularly his father.
The young spinner also spoke about receiving his maiden Test cap from senior spinner Kuldeep Yadav, saying the encouragement and motivational words from his teammates made the occasion even more special.
Determined to be ready if an opportunity arrived, Suthar revealed that he regularly trained with the red ball during the IPL season and focused on sharpening his skills before joining the national squad. After arriving at the Test venue, he underwent several intensive practice sessions to fine-tune his preparations.
Assessing the conditions in Mullanpur, Suthar felt there was enough assistance for spinners and decided to rely heavily on his stock delivery while maintaining discipline in his line and length. He credited his success to years of focusing on accuracy and consistency rather than chasing extravagant variations.
Among all the wickets he claimed, Suthar said his first Test wicket would always remain the most memorable. He also etched his name into the record books by becoming the first Indian spinner since Ravichandran Ashwin in 2011 to claim a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
His stunning performance has marked the arrival of another promising talent in India’s rich spin-bowling tradition and provided a perfect beginning to what could be a long and successful Test career.
