Retired Team India Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara shared words of advice for young bowling sensation Manav Suthar after his remarkable performance in recent games. His advice comes after Suthar secured 10 wickets for Team India against Sri Lanka in Galle to ensure victory for the Men in Blue.
Suthar has been one of India’s top bowling discoveries in recent months, but recent red-ball results could force the youngster towards a different career path. Key technical adjustments could ruin Suthar if the 24-year-old plans a revamp ahead of the next T20 season to challenge for a highly lucrative franchise contract.
Let’s see key pieces of advice Cheteshwar Pujara shared for Suthar if he decides to enter the IPL arena before next season.
Preserving Natural Strengths
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has not guided the youngster towards completely avoiding the IPL. The veteran simply warned that a T20 stint could force Suthar out of his comfort zone early with several technical tweaks to spare, and in an underwhelming fashion:
“Try to preserve him. We have had this discussion in the past that, yes, all the young players might want to play the shorter format, but India should be looking to preserve him for the Test format. Yes, he might want to play the IPL, but don’t go there. I mean, yes, if he gets the opportunity to play the IPL, that’s fine, but don’t change your strength,” Pujara said.
Suthar could be tempted by a massive contract at a franchise after failing to hold down a regular IPL starting spot for several seasons, but Pujara insists his red-ball strengths must remain untouched.
Resisting the T20 Trajectory
The demanding T20 circuit is another platform seeking to utilize his left-arm spin in 2027. Pujara believes Suthar could fit as a successful bowler for any franchise, as he can bowl under pressure and attack batters from the first over:
“I think he doesn’t need to change his bowling much. Just when it comes to white-ball cricket, you need to have that flatter trajectory, and I don’t mind him playing in the IPL. If he plays in the IPL, if he’s successful in the IPL, that is fine, but don’t change your strength,” the retired cricketer added.
However, the T20 format often requires pushing the ball flatter and quicker to limit boundaries. Pujara stressed that this adjustment is a dangerous trade-off that might negatively impact his Test-match abilities.
Trusting the Flighted Deliveries
The 24-year-old spinner offers a mix of drift and dip that India may seek to defend their overseas Test supremacy for a second successive cycle in 2027. His flight and deception skills may also come in handy for the national side if they desire to turn game outcomes their way in a few overs.
Pujara noted that Suthar’s natural ability to give the ball air should not be sacrificed. Suthar could be an ideal fit for long-term Test success as a reliable wicket-taker who can dominate defensive batters, provided he continues to flight his deliveries bravely:
“For someone like Manav Suthar, who is flighting the ball, who is willing to go a little slower, when it comes to red-ball cricket, you don’t need to change that. Don’t change yourself just for the IPL. I can understand, but don’t change your natural ability, which is to flight the ball,” he argued regarding Suthar’s gameplay approach.
Key Milestones Manav Suthar Secured Before the Sri Lanka Series Concluded
The Indian national team is still on a hunt for their next generation of spin-bowling superstars after repeated successful cycles with current veterans. A dominant run of results at Galle had Indian fans and sports pundits praising Suthar’s project and immediate or long-term future. Some exceptional milestones the spinner secured during his brilliant start include:
A match-winning 10-wicket haul
He claimed a magnificent 10 for 131 against Sri Lanka to join an elite list of Indian bowlers to achieve a 10-wicket haul in just their second Test match.
New-ball prowess
Suthar offers impressive contributions as a new-ball spinner; however, he could join elite historical conversations if he desires taking early wickets before next season. Pujara heavily praised his rare willingness to flight a hard, new ball to deceive opening batters.
A historic 17-wicket start
The 24-year-old rising star and Galle hero could leave his mark on the squad before next season if administrators aim to reshuffle their rotation towards building a different project. Suthar currently boasts a staggering 17 wickets across his first two Tests at an average of 11.35; however, even he may know that maintaining such unprecedented numbers requires immense discipline moving forward.
Adapting on a slow pitch
Suthar intelligently adjusted his approach when the Galle pitch slowed down and the ball lost its hardness. He recognized the lack of assistance and increased his pace to grab the final few wickets.
This ability from the talented player revealed his tactical mindset to wrap up a 165-run victory. National selectors may continue to monitor his red-ball progress heavily in the months to come.
