‘Strong contender at Test level’: Gavaskar’s verdict on Manav Suthar

Manav Suthar (BCCI Photo) NEW DELHI: Manav Suthar could hardly have asked for a better start to his Test career. The left-arm spinner took three wickets on his debut on Day 2 against Afghanistan, earning praise from the legendary Indian captain and batting great Sunil Gavaskar.Suthar struck in his very first over in Test cricket, dismissing Abdul Malik to join the elite list of Indian bowlers who have taken a wicket on debut. He ended the day with figures of 3/34 and removed Abdul Malik, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Afsar Zazai as Afghanistan closed on 113/5, still 451 runs behind India.Impressed by the youngster’s all-round display, Gavaskar highlighted not only Suthar’s bowling but also the composure he showed with the bat.“Manav Suthar has certainly made an impressive start to his Test career. What stood out was not just his bowling but also the confidence he showed with the bat, especially the way he used his feet and looked comfortable at the crease,” Gavaskar said on JioStar’s ‘Cricket Live’.“He was extremely accurate with the ball and consistently put the batsmen under pressure. There was some help from the surface which he used well, but the real test for any spinner comes on flatter pitches where more variety and adaptability is required.”While Gavaskar urged caution in judging a spinner only on a useful surface, he felt Suthar had shown enough promise to suggest he could succeed at the highest level.“Having said that, it was a very encouraging debut and he showed the qualities of a strong contender at Test level,” he added.Suthar’s selection was supported by a strong domestic record. The Rajasthan all-rounder took 129 wickets in 29 first-class matches at an average of 25.76, including best figures of 8/33. His redball resume also includes six five-goal streaks and three 10-goal streaks.The 23-year-old also contributed with the bat, scoring 945 runs in 48 first-class innings at an average of 25.54, including a century and six fifties, with a top score of 120.Earlier this year, Suthar represented Gujarat Titans in the IPL and took two wickets in four matches.