Sunil Gavaskar lauds Manav Suthar after dream debut spell against Afghanistan in Mullanpur Test

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India’s dynamic home season scaled new heights at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Facing Afghanistan in a highly anticipated, one-off standalone Test match, Team India put on a clinical masterclass in red-ball cricket. The historic game, which commenced on June 6, 2026, became an unforgettable landmark for Indian cricket, completely dominated by a spectacular debut bowling performance that dismantled the visitors. Led by captain Shubman Gill, India outclassed Afghanistan in every single department, wrapping up the contest inside three days to record their biggest-ever Test victory.

The cricketing world found its newest sensation in young left-arm orthodox spinner Manav Suthar. Donning the iconic Test Cap No. 319 for India, Suthar’s maiden outing in the longest format of the game was so remarkably assured that it drew glowing praise from none other than batting legend Sunil Gavaskar. The young spinner ran through the opposition lineup, snaring seven wickets across the match, highlighted by a sensational six-wicket haul during his very first bowling innings.

Reflecting on the youngster’s dream debut via JioStar, Gavaskar emphasized that Suthar’s triumphs owed everything to textbook skills and supreme control rather than mere fortune. He pointed out that the rookie possesses a rare, enviable gift for hitting his target consistently.

“People say a spin bowler is successful in India because he gets help from the pitch… But I would say, here against Afghanistan, take the pitch out of the equation. Bowling comes down to skill and control. And that is exactly what this young man showed. Manav Suthar has a simple, repeatable action. That gives him great accuracy,” Gavaskar remarked.

The legendary opener further praised Suthar’s tactical maturity, noting that he dismantled the Afghan batting order through flight, dip, and spatial awareness rather than heavily relying on a turning track. Gavaskar concluded that Suthar’s relentless practice of spot bowling gave him the ultimate edge, proving he was both exceptionally clever and precise. This magical spell anchored India as they clinched an unforgettable victory by an innings and 300 runs.

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The foundations of India’s crushing triumph were built on a mountainous first-innings total. India declared at a colossal 564/8 after 127 overs, progressing at a rapid run rate of 4.44. The batting charge was spearheaded by top-order centuries from skipper Gill (126 off 177 balls) and KL Rahul (100 off 165 balls). Explosive contributions from Sai Sudharsan (81), Rishabh Pant (81), and a handy tail-end cameo from Suthar himself (28) pushed the target completely out of Afghanistan’s reach.

When Afghanistan walked out to bat, they ran directly into the Suthar storm. In the first innings, Suthar delivered an exceptionally economical spell, registering figures of 6/33 across 22 overs, including 10 maidens, operating at a miserly economy of 1.50. He picked up crucial breakthroughs, dismissing opener Abdul Malik (16), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (12), and a fighting Rahmat Shah (60) to fold Afghanistan for just 152 runs in 58.4 overs.

Enforcing the follow-on, India’s bowling unit relentless pressed forward. While Washington Sundar ran through the upper order in the second innings with a stellar 4/36, Suthar maintained high pressure with figures of 1/29 from 10 overs. Kuldeep Yadav cleaned up the tail with 3/30 as Afghanistan collapsed for a mere 112 runs in 35.5 overs. Suthar wrapped up a dream debut match with combined match figures of 7/62, deservedly walking away with the Player of the Match trophy.

Also WATCH: Manav Suthar traps Rahmat Shah to complete five-wicket haul on Test debut – IND vs AFG