He can play for India for a long time: Gill on Manav Suthar

India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at Galle on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, securing a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series. The victory became even more special, as it was India's 600th Test match. Manav Suthar delivered an outstanding bowling performance in only his second Test, claiming 10 wickets across both innings to play a decisive role in India's triumph.

Suthar took four wickets in Sri Lanka's opening innings before returning with a six-wicket haul in the second innings as India bowled the visitors out for 206 while defending a target of 372. His second-innings figures of 6 for 55 proved particularly impactful. Shubman Gill, speaking after the match, offered high praise for the young left-arm spinner's display.

"He has been bowling magnificently. Looks like a very promising guy and someone who can play for India for a long time," Gill said of Suthar's performance in a post-match presentation.

Suthar's match statistics underline his exceptional start to Test cricket. After just two Test matches, the 23-year-old has accumulated 17 wickets at an average of 11.35, with an economy rate of 2.50 and a strike rate of 27.29. He entered Test cricket in June 2026 and has already established himself as a significant force in India's bowling attack.

Devdutt Padikkal received the Player of the Match award for his batting contributions across the Test. Padikkal scored 167 in India's first innings of 462 and added 44 in the second innings, totalling 211 runs across the match. He was drafted into the side at number three after Sai Sudharsan was unable to recover from a big toe injury.

Gill also commended Padikkal's approach in the second innings.

"He has magnificent to watch. Important to get hundreds but even after getting a hundred. He got a big one. Being in a competitive match and in a comfortable position…the way he batted and dominated in the second innings, was great to watch," Gill added.

Padikkal's aggressive batting in India's second innings of 193 helped secure the target advantage that ultimately proved decisive.

India's position in the World Test Championship remained fifth with 53.33 percentage points. Australia led the standings with 77.78 points, followed by South Africa on 75 and Bangladesh on 66.67. The victory at Galle provided India with momentum as they prepared for the second Test of the series.