Manav Suthar's 6-33 debut: 'I practised red ball during IPL for this'
Synopsis
Manav Suthar didn't wait for the Test call-up to start preparing — he was already bowling with the red ball during IPL 2026. The result: a 6-33 on debut, India's biggest-ever Test win by runs, and a place among only five Indians to claim a fifer on their first Test appearance.
Key Takeaways
Manav Suthar claimed 6 for 33 in Afghanistan's first innings on his Test debut at Mullanpur .
He is only the fifth Indian to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut, and the first since Ravichandran Ashwin in 2011 .
Suthar is India's first specialist spin-bowling Test debutant since Axar Patel in 2021 .
His debut cap was presented by senior spinner Kuldeep Yadav .
Suthar revealed he was practising with the red ball during IPL 2026 in anticipation of a potential Test call-up.
The only Indian with better debut bowling figures is Narendra Hirwani , who took 16/136 against the West Indies in 1988 .
Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar claimed a stunning 6 for 33 on his Test debut against Afghanistan in the one-off Test at Mullanpur on 9 June 2025, becoming only the fifth Indian to take a five-wicket haul on debut and helping India register their biggest-ever Test win by margin of runs. Speaking after the match, Suthar revealed he had been quietly preparing for the red-ball stage even while playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 for the Gujarat Titans.
The Call-Up and the Cap
Suthar was added to India's XI for the one-off Test after being informed by head coach Gautam sir and skipper Shubman Gill, who also led him at the Gujarat Titans. His debut cap was presented by senior spinner Kuldeep Yadav, making him India's first specialist spin-bowling Test debutant since Axar Patel in 2021.
'Gautam sir and the skipper informed me that I would be making my debut. It was a very proud moment because, ever since I started playing, it had been my dream, my father's dream, and everyone's dream for me to play Test cricket for India,' Suthar said on JioStar. He added that Kuldeep's speech during the cap presentation was 'very motivating.'
How Suthar Prepared During IPL
The 23-year-old spinner disclosed that his preparation for a potential Test call-up began well before the squad announcement. 'When my name came up in the team, I was practising with the red ball during the IPL as well, thinking about how I would approach things if given the opportunity,' he revealed. He credited long bowling sessions at the venue — 'three or four long practice sessions' — and a philosophy of enjoyment over effort: 'With bowling, it's not really about how many hours you put in. If you enjoy bowling, you can bowl 20-25 overs without even realising it.'
Reading the Mullanpur Surface
Suthar said he assessed the New Chandigarh pitch carefully before bowling. He noticed during Afghanistan's batting and India's batting phases that some deliveries were turning while others held up, leading him to back his stock ball. 'As soon as I bowled my first over, the ball was turning, so I tried to bowl my stock ball as much as possible on that wicket,' he explained. His focus, he said, was on 'spot-bowling' and consistent line rather than variation.
A Historic Debut in Indian Cricket
With his 6 for 33, Suthar became the first Indian since his idol Ravichandran Ashwin in 2011 to claim a five-wicket haul on Test debut. The only Indian with superior debut bowling figures is Narendra Hirwani, who took 16 wickets for 136 — including eight in each innings — against the West Indies in 1988. Suthar's debut wicket, he said, will remain his most cherished: 'My favourite wicket was obviously the first one, my debut wicket. It will always remain my favourite.'
What's Next for Suthar
Having announced himself with one of the most impressive debut bowling performances in Indian Test history, Suthar will look to cement his place in the red-ball setup. His ability to prepare proactively and execute under pressure on debut suggests a temperament that India's spin-bowling stocks — rebuilding post the Ashwin era — will be keen to develop further.
Point of View
India needs Suthar to be a solution, not just a one-match story. One exceptional debut in a mismatch against Afghanistan is necessary evidence, but far from sufficient.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Manav Suthar achieve on his Test debut?
Manav Suthar took 6 for 33 in Afghanistan's first innings on his Test debut at Mullanpur, becoming only the fifth Indian to claim a five-wicket haul on debut. The performance helped India secure their biggest-ever Test win by margin of runs.
How did Manav Suthar prepare for his Test debut during IPL 2026?
Suthar revealed he began practising with the red ball during the IPL 2026 season itself, anticipating a possible Test call-up. He followed that up with three or four long practice sessions at the venue before the match.
Who presented Manav Suthar his Test debut cap?
Senior spinner Kuldeep Yadav presented Suthar with his debut cap. Suthar described Kuldeep's speech during the presentation as 'very motivating.'
Which Indians have taken a five-wicket haul on Test debut before Suthar?
Suthar is the fifth Indian to achieve the feat. The last to do so before him was Ravichandran Ashwin in 2011. Narendra Hirwani holds the record for the best debut bowling figures by an Indian, with 16 wickets for 136 against the West Indies in 1988.
What is the significance of Suthar being India's first specialist spin Test debutant since 2021?
Suthar is India's first specialist spin-bowling Test debutant since Axar Patel made his debut in 2021, highlighting how rare such opportunities are in India's Test setup. His debut comes at a time when India is rebuilding its spin stocks following Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement.
