'That's not how a team is made' - Bisla on Suthar replacing Jadeja

Manav Suthar's outstanding performance in India's first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle has sparked debate among cricket fans about his role in the team's future. The 24-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner claimed a maiden 10-wicket haul, taking four wickets in the first innings and six in the second as India secured a 165-run victory. At 24 years and 16 days, Suthar became the youngest Indian and seventh spinner from the country to achieve this milestone on away soil, doing so in only his second Test match.

Following Suthar's stellar display, sections of the cricket community have suggested he could be the ideal replacement for Ravindra Jadeja. However, former cricketer Manvinder Bisla has strongly disagreed with this assessment, arguing that such thinking reflects a flawed approach to team building.

"Will Manav Suthar become Ravindra Jadeja's replacement after taking 10 wickets in the first Test? Aise team nahi banti (That's not how a team is made). It's totally wrong, according to me. Ravindra Jadeja is our legend. We have this habit of replacing players after one or two matches; that's not how you make a team." Bisla said in an Instagram video.

Bisla elaborated on his position by highlighting the pattern of hasty player changes in Indian cricket. He explained that the tendency to seek replacements after individual strong performances overlooks the value of building continuity and experience within the squad. Suthar's impressive performance, while noteworthy, should not automatically trigger discussions about displacing an established player, Bisla argued.

Bisla acknowledged Suthar's quality but framed the situation differently, suggesting that both spinners can coexist productively in the team. Rather than viewing the younger spinner as a threat to the established player, Bisla sees an opportunity for mentorship and shared responsibility.

"Manav Suthar took 10 wickets in this Test. It is possible that Ravindra Jadeja takes 10 wickets in the next Test. People have this habit of finding replacements in cricket. They feel like they want to replace a player and fit in someone else," Bisla said.

"Manav Suthar bowled really well in this Test match, undoubtedly. I feel that Manav Suthar will get more help if he plays alongside Ravindra Jadeja. He will benefit from sharing the dressing room and bowling with him," he added.

Jadeja's established record in Test cricket underscores why Bisla believes the experienced all-rounder remains irreplaceable. The left-hander has accumulated 352 Test wickets and 4,117 Test runs, a combination that reflects his dual value to the Indian team across multiple formats and situations.

"Ravindra Jadeja has 350 wickets and 4000 runs in Tests. Can you replace such a player? Yes, you can get better by playing with him. That is what Manav Suthar should do. Both these players are assets to the Indian team," Bisla said.

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Bisla's perspective suggests that rather than viewing Suthar as a successor to Jadeja, the focus should be on how the younger spinner can develop by learning from an established performer. The presence of both players in the squad, according to this view, strengthens rather than weakens India's bowling options.