Why Manav Suthar deserves a regular spot in India's Test XI: 3 key reasons

Manav Suthar has had a remarkable entry into Test cricket for India. The 24-year-old slow left-arm orthodox bowler from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, has played two Test matches in 2026 and left a strong impression with both bat and ball.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir had indicated before the Afghanistan Test that whichever of Suthar or Harsh Dubey played that match would travel to Sri Lanka. Suthar took his chance and has not looked back since, accumulating 17 wickets across two Tests at a bowling average of 12.55.

With some solid performances, he has cemented his position in the Indian Test squad.

Suthar's Test debut against Afghanistan produced figures of 6/33 in the first innings and 1/29 in the second, giving him a seven-wicket match haul in Chandigarh. That performance alone was enough to earn him a place on the Sri Lanka tour.

Against Sri Lanka at Galle, Suthar went a step further. He returned figures of 4/76 in the first innings and 6/55 in the second, finishing with match figures of 10/131. That ten-wicket haul made him only the latest Indian spinner to achieve the feat at Galle, and his combined tally of 17 wickets across two Tests at an average of 12.55 underlines how effective he has been at the highest level. He has definitely shown everyone that he can pick up wickets at regular intervals.