Manav Suthar a future match-winner in Tests, says Washington Sundar
Synopsis
Debutant spinner Manav Suthar struck on the fourth ball of his Test career and finished with 3-21 as India dominated Afghanistan at PCA Stadium. Washington Sundar's verdict: Suthar's intensity and match-winning ability were never in doubt inside the dressing room — it was only a matter of time.
Key Takeaways
Manav Suthar took 3 for 21 in 15.5 overs on Test debut, dismissing Abdul Malik , Rahmanullah Gurbaz , and Afsar Zazai .
India declared their first innings at 564 for 8 , reducing Afghanistan to 113 for 5 in reply.
Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 52 , supporting centuries from Shubman Gill and KL Rahul .
Sundar predicted Suthar will become a match-winner for India in Test cricket.
Sundar highlighted the mental preparation needed to switch from the IPL to Test format after Gujarat Titans' final run.
India all-rounder Washington Sundar has backed debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar to become a match-winner in Test cricket, praising the youngster's electric start to his international career on Day 2 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan at the PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on 8 June. Suthar's composed, high-intensity bowling on debut left little doubt — at least within the Indian dressing room — that a new spin option has arrived.
Suthar's Debut Spell
The Rajasthan spinner wasted no time making his mark, striking on the fourth ball of his Test career to dismiss Abdul Malik. He followed up with the wickets of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Afsar Zazai, finishing with figures of 3 for 21 in 15.5 overs as India reduced Afghanistan to 113 for 5 after declaring their first innings at a commanding 564 for 8.
What Sundar Said
Speaking to broadcasters ahead of Day 3, Sundar said Suthar's impact came as no surprise to those within the Indian setup. 'I mean, we all know what he could actually bring into the table, especially in this format. And we've all seen him win games for all the teams that we've played, especially in this format. I guess it was just about time and it was going to come,' Sundar said.
On what impressed him most, Sundar pointed to the physical commitment Suthar brings to every delivery. 'The amount of body that goes into every single delivery of his is fabulous to watch. And I think that's something which is quite evident for all of us to see,' he added. Sundar further projected that Suthar would only grow from here: 'Eventually, he will be a match winner for us, especially in this format.'
Sundar's Own Contribution
While Suthar grabbed the headlines with the ball, Sundar made a significant batting contribution, remaining unbeaten on 52 as India built their first-innings total. Centuries from captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, along with notable contributions from Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant, set the platform. Sundar, however, deflected personal credit, saying his priority is to serve whatever role the team demands rather than anchor a fixed batting position.
'Whatever the team demands and wherever I need to play so that the team benefits and we win a lot of games, that's more important to me,' he stated.
The IPL-to-Test Mental Shift
Sundar, who featured in Gujarat Titans' run to the IPL final before joining the national squad, acknowledged the considerable mental recalibration required to switch formats. 'There was a lot of preparation that needed to be done mentally also. And once that mental shift happened, it's all about just execution and playing some quantity of balls and prep also,' he said, adding that the transition went 'really well' ahead of the Test match.
With Suthar's debut putting Afghanistan under immediate pressure and India's batting depth already on full display, the one-off Test has so far underscored the depth India can call upon even against a developing Test nation.
Point of View
But the real question is whether India will persist with him in more demanding conditions than a home track against Afghanistan — a side still finding its Test footing. Sundar's endorsement carries weight given his own experience navigating the bench-to-playing-XI cycle, but Indian spin selections have historically been form-and-conditions-driven rather than talent-driven. The one-off format of this fixture also limits what it can tell us about Suthar's temperament over a five-day grind. The next eighteen months, across subcontinental and overseas assignments, will be the true audition.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Manav Suthar and what did he do on Test debut?
Manav Suthar is a left-arm spinner from Rajasthan who made his Test debut against Afghanistan at PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh. He claimed 3 for 21 in 15.5 overs, striking on the fourth ball of his career to dismiss Abdul Malik and later removing Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Afsar Zazai.
What did Washington Sundar say about Manav Suthar?
Sundar said Suthar's impact was no surprise within the Indian team, adding that he would 'eventually be a match winner' in Test cricket. He specifically praised the physical intensity Suthar brings to every delivery as a standout quality.
What was India's first-innings score against Afghanistan?
India declared their first innings at 564 for 8. Afghanistan were then reduced to 113 for 5 in their reply, with Suthar's three-wicket haul a key factor in the pressure build-up.
How did Washington Sundar perform with the bat?
Sundar remained unbeaten on 52, contributing to India's large first-innings total alongside centuries from captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, with Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant also making significant contributions.
How did Washington Sundar manage the transition from IPL to Test cricket?
Sundar said the switch required significant mental preparation after Gujarat Titans' IPL final run. He credited thorough pre-Test preparation — both mental and in terms of time spent in the middle — for helping him settle into the Test environment smoothly.
