Manav Suthar: How a teacher’s son became Test hero

Manav Suthar, India's latest Test match winner, has a long way from his birthplace of Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, where his cricket journey started with the support of his father Jagdishkumar, a physical education teacher and former age-group cricketer. Suthar's dedication to cricket was evident from a young age, and his father played a significant role in recognizing and nurturing his talent. Despite limited resources, the family remained committed to Suthar's cricket career.

Suthar's cricket journey began with his father's influence, as Jagdishkumar himself played cricket at the Under-19 level in the Schools' Nationals. The family recognized his son's passion for the game when he was still a child. At the age of 11, Suthar was enrolled in a cricket academy, where he began to develop his skills under coach Dheeraj Sharma.

Suthar's progression through the age-group and domestic system laid the foundation for his international cricket career. He made his first-class debut for Rajasthan in 2022 and had an immediate impact in the Ranji Trophy, taking 39 wickets in just six matches during his debut season. His performances in first-class cricket have grown steadily, with 136 wickets in 30 matches and 973 runs to his name. Suthar has established himself as a specialist spinner in red-ball cricket.

In 2023, Suthar received an opportunity in the Indian Premier League with Gujarat Titans, but spent considerable time around the squad without regular game time. Undeterred, he continued to focus on domestic cricket, which further strengthened his case for higher honours. His breakthrough came in Test cricket, where he made his debut against Afghanistan and recorded seven wickets, including match figures of 6-33 and 1-29.

Suthar's second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle showcased his talent, as he took a remarkable 10-wicket haul, contributing significantly to India's 165-run victory. This performance solidified his place as an India Test match-winner. The journey to this point has been shaped by the unwavering support of Suthar's father and his childhood coach, highlighting the role of patience, preparation, and consistency in his rise to international cricket success.