Pujara on Manav Suthar snub for NZ Tests: ‘Has played enough Ranji Trophy’

Former India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has criticized the omission of Manav Suthar from India's Test squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour. Pujara believes Suthar, a talented young spinner, should have been included even as a reserve, stating that the young bowler would have gained valuable experience playing in conditions not often encountered by Indian players.

"I think someone like Manav Suthar should be part of the Test squad," Pujara told Star Sports. "He shouldn't be out of the squad." The former India batsman also highlighted the rarity of India's tours to New Zealand and the limited opportunities young players get to experience those conditions, noting that India only goes to New Zealand every five or six years.

Pujara expressed concern over India's pace attack without Bumrah, suggesting that the team might need more options for seam bowling, including giving more opportunities to younger players like Arshdeep, Siraj, and Gurnoor.