IND vs AFG: Manav Suthar scripted history on debut, registers best bowling figures in 38 years

NEW DELHI: Manav Suthar made a stunning announcement of his arrival on the Test scene as he produced a six-wicket haul against Afghanistan in his first appearance for India at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.The left-armer finished with exceptional figures of 6/33 from 22 overs as Afghanistan were bowled out for 152 in response to India’s formidable first innings total of 564/8.Suthar’s spell not only gave India a firm grip on the one-off Test but also earned him a place in the record books.The 23-year-old recorded the best bowling figures in an innings on an Indian’s Test debut in 38 years.The last Indian to achieve better results in his debut Test innings was Narendra Hirwani, who produced a legendary performance against the West Indies in Chennai in 1988 when he took 8/61 and later finished the match with 16 wickets.Suthar also joined the exclusive club of Indian bowlers, registering six wickets in the first Test. Before him, only Hirwani, Ravichandran Ashwin, Dilip Doshi and Syed Abid Ali had achieved this feat in an innings during their first Test appearances.Additionally, Suthar became the 10th Indian (seventh among spinners) to pick five wickets on Test debut.What made Suthar’s effort particularly impressive was the control he displayed throughout the long spell. He conceded just 33 runs in 22 overs, including 10 maidens, while maintaining an excellent economy rate of 1.50. His victims included Abdul Malik, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Afsar Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Mohammad Saleem Safi.After picking up three wickets on the second day, Suthar returned on day 3 to complete the milestone. His ability to generate drift, extract turn and change pace consistently troubled the Afghanistan batting line-up.READ ALSO: ‘Rajasthan ka Jadeja’: The making of Manav Suthar, India’s latest left-arm spin hopeWhile Prasidh Krishna chipped in with three wickets, it was Suthar who stole the limelight with a memorable debut performance.With Ravindra Jadeja entering the latter stages of his career, the Indian selectors will be encouraging the emergence of another promising left-arm spin option in the red-ball format.For Suthar, it was a dream that began a long international journey.

Should Ravindra Jadeja be worried about his place in the team now that Suthar has emerged?