Why Manav Suthar deserves a regular spot in India's Test XI: 3 key reasons

Manav Suthar has had a remarkable entry into Test cricket for India. The 24-year-old slow left-arm orthodox bowler from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, has played two Test matches in 2026 and left a strong impression with both bat and ball.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir had indicated before the Afghanistan Test that whichever of Suthar or Harsh Dubey played that match would travel to Sri Lanka. Suthar took his chance and has not looked back since, accumulating 17 wickets across two Tests at a bowling average of 12.55.

With some solid performances, he has cemented his position in the Indian Test squad.

Here are top 3 reasons why Manav Suthar deserves longer run with Indian Test team

3. Exceptional wicket-taking ability in Test cricket

Suthar's Test debut against Afghanistan produced figures of 6/33 in the first innings and 1/29 in the second, giving him a seven-wicket match haul in Chandigarh. That performance alone was enough to earn him a place on the Sri Lanka tour.

Against Sri Lanka at Galle, Suthar went a step further. He returned figures of 4/76 in the first innings and 6/55 in the second, finishing with match figures of 10/131. That ten-wicket haul made him only the latest Indian spinner to achieve the feat at Galle, and his combined tally of 17 wickets across two Tests at an average of 12.55 underlines how effective he has been at the highest level. He has definitely shown everyone that he can pick up wickets at regular intervals.

2. A proven domestic record built over several seasons

Suthar made his first-class debut against Andhra in the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy on February 17, 2022, and has since accumulated over 150 wickets in domestic and first-class cricket across 32 matches. His batting has also developed steadily, with over 1,000 first-class runs at an average exceeding 26, including six fifties.

His domestic highlights include a 7/49 in the third innings of the Duleep Trophy 2024-25 Match 2 for India C against India D at Anantapur, where he also contributed an unbeaten 19 in the final over to help his side chase down 233. In the same tournament's Match 4, he scored 82 in the first innings against India B. He also took 5/93 as the lone specialist spinner for India A against Australia A in the second unofficial Test at Lucknow, keeping Australia A's middle order in check on a mixed-soil pitch.

1. Valuable lower-order batting that adds balance to the XI

Suthar's usefulness is not limited to his bowling. He has shown on multiple occasions that he can contribute with the bat when the team needs it most. His unbeaten 89 off 254 balls for India A against England Lions helped secure a draw, demonstrating the kind of application that Test cricket demands from a lower-order batter.

Combined with his first-class batting record of over 1,000 runs, six fifties and a top score that includes a notable unbeaten 96 in the Ranji Trophy, Suthar offers India genuine all-round value. His ability to occupy the crease under pressure makes him a more complete option than a specialist bowler, giving the captain an extra layer of flexibility when setting or defending totals.