Cheteshwar Pujara Advises Manav Suthar to Protect Test Bowling Strengths Over IPL
Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has advised young left-arm orthodox spinner Manav Suthar to protect his natural bowling strengths in Test cricket and resist modifying his approach to suit the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pujara’s remarks came after the 24-year-old produced a decisive, match-winning display during the opening Test against Sri Lanka at Galle on August 19.
What Happened
Manav Suthar, who represents Rajasthan in domestic cricket, produced an exceptional performance in Galle to bring his career tally to 17 wickets in his first two Test matches. His 10-wicket haul placed him in elite company as only the fourth Indian bowler to take 10 wickets in their second Test match, joining Narendra Hirwani, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, and Axar Patel.
Furthermore, Suthar became just the seventh Indian bowler to capture a 10-wicket haul in an overseas Test match. The only other Indian bowlers to reach this overseas milestone are Ravichandran Ashwin, Bishan Singh Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, Anil Kumble, and Harbhajan Singh.
Following the fixture, Pujara cautioned that while franchise cricket remains an option, Suthar should avoid compromising the flight and slower pace that make his red-ball bowling effective. Speaking to India Today, Pujara remarked that while playing in the IPL is fine if opportunities arise, the spinner must not alter his fundamental bowling identity.
Key Highlights
- Historic Milestones: Manav Suthar took a 10-wicket match haul at Galle, becoming the fourth Indian bowler to do so in his second Test and the seventh Indian bowler to achieve a 10-wicket haul abroad.
- Career Tally: The 24-year-old spinner has accumulated 17 wickets across his first two Test appearances for India.
- Innings Adaptations: Pujara highlighted that Suthar flighted the ball when conditions aided him in the first innings, but increased his pace to nearly 90 km/h with the older ball on a slowing surface during the second innings.
- Franchise History: Suthar previously featured in four matches for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
- Pujara’s Advice: Indian cricket management and Suthar should focus on preserving his ability to flight the ball in red-ball cricket rather than adopting a flatter trajectory permanently for T20 formats.
Why This Matters
Pujara expressed concern that the draw of franchise cricket could prompt young bowlers to remodel their actions or release trajectories. In white-ball cricket, bowlers often rely on a flatter trajectory, whereas Suthar’s strength in Test cricket lies in giving the ball air and bowling at a slightly slower pace. According to Pujara, Suthar demonstrated the adaptability needed at the highest level by changing his pace to nearly 90 km/h in the second innings when the Galle pitch flattened out, while retaining his attacking flight with the new ball. Pujara stated that India has uncovered a long-term left-arm spin option if his core attributes are preserved.
What to Watch Next
India currently holds a 1-0 lead in the bilateral series following their victory at Galle. The team will head into the second Test match against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to begin in Colombo on August 23.
Frequently Asked Questions
What milestone did Manav Suthar achieve at Galle?
Suthar became the fourth Indian bowler to record a 10-wicket haul in his second Test match and the seventh Indian bowler to register a 10-wicket haul in an overseas Test.
What specific advice did Cheteshwar Pujara give Manav Suthar?
Pujara stated that Suthar should not change his natural ability to flight the ball in red-ball cricket to fit the flatter trajectory required in the IPL.
Which domestic and IPL teams has Manav Suthar represented?
Suthar plays domestic cricket for Rajasthan and has played four matches for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
Source: Crictracker, with statements quoted via India Today.