Former India player Ajay Jadeja lauded left-arm spinner Manav Suthar for his spell in India’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. While Ravindra Jadeja was christened the Kohinoor diamond by former India batter Mohammad Kaif, Ajay Jadeja likened Manav Suthar to an unpolished jewel waiting for his chance in the spotlight.
Suthar’s spell of 4/76 helped India in bowling the home side out for 284 in their first innings, allowing them to keep a lead of 178 runs as stumps were called on Monday, the 17th of August, in Galle. The visitors posted a tally of 462 runs in their first innings, with standout displays by Devdutt Paddikal and KL Rahul.
Ajay Jadeja’s Praise for Manav Suthar
In a discussion with Sony Sports, Ajay Jadeja remarked that Suthar, with the right guidance, can be groomed into a great player. He said, “These are great signs for Indian cricket. We have praised Ravindra Jadeja a lot just now. He (Suthar) also bowls left-arm spin, but he is a totally different bowler. Jadeja is at the top of his career. This is just the start of his (Suthar’s) career, and we are seeing him outperform from now itself,”
The cricketer-turned-commentator highlighted that many former left-arm spinners were delighted by Suthar’s bowling, saying that he noticed smiles on the faces of former India players such as Murali Kartik, WV Raman, and Venkatapathy Raju as they were speaking of Manav.
“The advantage for him is that he has a senior left-arm spinner with him who has so much experience. If Jadeja is the Kohinoor, which is already polished and put on the crown, he (Suthar) is that jewel that will be polished now. We haven’t yet seen its shine,” Ajay Jadeja remarked.
Manav Suthar dismissed Dinesh Chandimal by getting him caught behind by Rishabh Pant with his first ball. He also dismissed Lahiru Udara, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Lahiru Kumara to complete his four-wicket haul.
Mohammad Kaif on Manav Suthar and Skipper Shubman Gill’s Relation
Mohammad Kaif, the former Delhi Capitals assistant coach later remarked in the same discussion that Suthar enjoys his captain Shubman Gill’s backing while highlighting the left-arm spinner’s various attributes.
“Manav Suthar is being backed. Shubman Gill has told him that their eyes are on him. We talk about the fantastic drift, turn, bounce, slowness, and control with which he bowls. Jadeja bowls fast, but his ball forms a loop. His accuracy, mindset, and adjustment to consistently bowl at the same spot will be praised,” Kaif observed.
In his outing at Galle, Manav Suthar was ably supported by bowling stalwart Ravindra Jadeja, who registered figures of 3/57 in 21 overs. He was also accompanied by fellow left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and pace bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, all of whom picked up a wicket apiece.
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