Manav Suthar’s spectacular begin to his Take a look at profession has already sparked comparisons with Ravindra Jadeja, however former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara believes the younger left-arm spinner ought to prioritise his red-ball growth somewhat than chasing an Indian Premier League contract.Suthar has performed solely two Assessments for India however has already made a major affect. The 24-year-old adopted up his five-wicket haul on debut towards Afghanistan in New Chandigarh earlier this yr with a match-winning 10-wicket efficiency in Galle.Suthar claimed six wickets in Sri Lanka’s second innings as India accomplished a 165-run victory within the first Take a look at to take a 1-0 lead within the sequence.With the teenager exhibiting sturdy potential within the longest format, Pujara urged each Suthar and the Indian administration to guard his growth as a red-ball specialist.“Attempt to protect him. We now have had this dialogue up to now that, sure, all of the younger gamers would possibly wish to play the shorter format, however India must be trying to protect him for the Take a look at format. Sure, he would possibly wish to play the IPL, however do not go there. I imply, sure, if he will get the chance to play the IPL, that is fantastic, however do not change your energy,” Pujara mentioned on the Sony Sports activities Community.Pujara doesn’t consider Suthar must make main modifications to his bowling to reach white-ball cricket. He mentioned the spinner can play within the IPL if the chance comes his approach, however cautioned him towards altering the qualities which have made him efficient in Assessments.“I feel he does not want to vary his bowling a lot. Simply in terms of white-ball cricket, it’s essential to have that flatter trajectory, and I do not thoughts him taking part in within the IPL. If he performs within the IPL, if he is profitable within the IPL, that’s fantastic, however do not change your energy,” he added.Suthar is at the moment contracted with Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans within the IPL. Nonetheless, his publicity within the event has been restricted. He has performed solely 5 matches and brought two wickets, with 4 of these appearances coming in the course of the 2026 season and one within the 2024 version.Pujara believes Suthar’s pure capacity to bowl slowly and flight the ball is exactly what makes him such an thrilling prospect in Take a look at cricket.“For somebody like Manav Suthar, who’s flighting the ball, who’s prepared to go slightly slower, in terms of red-ball cricket, you need not change that. Do not change your self only for the IPL. I can perceive, however do not change your pure capacity, which is to flight the ball,” mentioned Pujara.The previous India No. 3 additionally pointed to Suthar’s willingness to assault with flight even when the ball was new as one of many causes behind his success towards Sri Lanka.“While you have a look at his bowling within the first innings and even whereas the ball was new, he was prepared to flight the ball, put the ball in the fitting areas. The best way he has bowled, I feel India has discovered a correct left-arm spinner who can be there within the squad for a very long time,” he added.Suthar’s breakthrough efficiency in Galle got here at an vital time for India. The Take a look at was wrapped up in the course of the second session on the fifth and last day, with rain forecast for the rest of the day. Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja ensured India accomplished the job with out having to fret a couple of climate intervention.The victory gave India priceless World Take a look at Championship factors and put them 1-0 forward within the two-match sequence.India will now look to finish a sequence whitewash after they face Sri Lanka within the second Take a look at, starting in Colombo on August 23.
