Hanuma Vihari Evaluates Manav Suthar’s Bowling Technique Following Ten-Wicket Haul Against Sri Lanka

Former India batter Hanuma Vihari has praised young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar following his decisive ten-wicket match haul in the opening Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. Evaluating Suthar’s mechanics, Vihari highlighted the bowler’s wrist alignment, diagonal approach, and relentless focus on the stumps as key factors behind his rapid rise in international cricket.

What Happened

India secured a 165-run win over Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series, played between August 15 and August 19, 2026, at the Galle International Stadium. The 24-year-old Suthar played a central role in the triumph, collecting four wickets in the first innings before registering figures of 6 for 55 in the second innings.

The performance brought Suthar’s career tally to 17 wickets in only two Test matches, maintained at an average of 11.35. Prior to this match, Suthar made an impactful debut against Afghanistan at Mullanpur Stadium in New Chandigarh in June 2026, where he picked up 6 for 33. That debut display stands as the second-best bowling figures by an Indian on Test debut, trailing only Narendra Hirwani.

Reviewing the Galle fixture on his YouTube channel, Vihari stated that Suthar’s execution and technical foundations were vital to India’s victory. Vihari observed that Suthar maintains proper wrist mechanics to generate turn, while keeping his entire body behind the ball and directed toward the batter to achieve drift. Additionally, Vihari highlighted Suthar’s diagonal run-up and delivery close to the stumps, which allows him to target the stumps and regularly dismiss batters via bowled or leg-before-wicket (LBW).

Key Highlights

• Manav Suthar recorded match figures of 10 wickets, including 6 for 55 in the final innings, as India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in Galle.
• Across his first two Tests, Suthar has taken 17 wickets with an average of 11.35.
• Hanuma Vihari noted that Suthar’s wrist position, body alignment, and diagonal action allow him to achieve both drift and turn while attacking the stumps.
• Vihari projected that Suthar has the potential to emerge as one of the best bowlers in Test cricket in the future.
• India heads into the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo starting August 23, with 12 World Test Championship points at stake.

Why This Matters

Suthar’s early performances provide India with an impactful attacking option in the longest format. According to Vihari, the technical attributes of Suthar’s bowling—specifically his stump-to-stump line and fluency—make his wicket-taking sustainable rather than accidental. Suthar’s proficiency in trapping batters LBW or bowling them directly stems from his release close to the crease, making him an effective match-winner on subcontinental surfaces.

What to Watch Next

The two teams will meet in the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, which begins on Sunday, August 23. India will compete for 12 World Test Championship points as they look to secure the series.

Heading into the match, Indian team management faces a selection decision between Saransh Jain and Kuldeep Yadav. Yadav featured in the Galle Test without making an impact, while Jain presents an all-round off-spin option who holds a first-class batting average above 30 alongside steady bowling skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many wickets did Manav Suthar take in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka?

Suthar claimed ten wickets in the match, taking four wickets in Sri Lanka’s first innings and six wickets for 55 runs in the second innings.

What are Manav Suthar’s Test career statistics after two matches?

Suthar has taken 17 wickets across his first two Test appearances, averaging 11.35 runs per wicket.

What did Hanuma Vihari say was Manav Suthar’s primary strength?

Vihari pointed to Suthar’s wrist position for turn, his body momentum for drift, and his diagonal action close to the crease, which directs the ball toward the stumps and produces frequent LBW and bowled dismissals.

When does the next match between India and Sri Lanka take place?

The second Test begins on Sunday, August 23, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

Source: Crictracker