VVS Laxman and team ensure Manav Suthar remains a key focus for India’s cricketing future.

Jaipur: Manav Suthar, a promising left-arm spinner from Rajasthan, faced disappointment when he went unsold during the IPL auction for the 2023 season. Despite an impressive domestic performance, where he claimed 39 wickets in just six Ranji Trophy matches during the 2022-23 season, Suthar was left without a franchise contract. However, his efforts did not go unnoticed, leading to a call-up for the Duleep Trophy and a spot in the India A squad for the ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, where he took 10 wickets across five matches.

Fast forward to the present, and the 24-year-old has emerged as a key player for India, recently leading the team to a commanding 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle. Suthar's remarkable performance included taking 10 wickets in the match—four in the first innings and six in the second—solidifying his reputation as one of the most exciting left-arm spin prospects in Indian cricket. His dedication and hard work on the domestic circuit are now yielding significant results.

Suthar's journey to the senior national team began in February 2019, when he made his debut for the India Under-19 team in a Youth Test against South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram. Under the guidance of Rahul Dravid, who was overseeing the youth program at the time, Suthar showcased his talent by taking four wickets, including 3/44 in the second innings, contributing to India's nine-wicket victory. His ability to extract turn from the pitch while maintaining control quickly garnered attention.

As VVS Laxman took over the National Cricket Academy in 2021, Suthar's development continued to be monitored closely. His long-time coach, Dheeraj Sharma, noted that Laxman had expressed interest in Suthar's potential, even advising then chief selector Chetan Sharma to keep an eye on him. This advice proved timely when Sharma attended a Ranji Trophy match in January 2023, where Suthar delivered an outstanding all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 64 and taking 10 wickets in the match.

As India looks to the future, Suthar's unique skill set positions him as a valuable asset, especially as the team considers options beyond established players like Ravindra Jadeja. Dheeraj has consistently emphasized to Suthar that his distinct abilities set him apart from other left-arm orthodox spinners, a skill that has now become second nature to him.