{
  "id": 2099805,
  "title": "Manav Suthar, Devdutt Padikkal strengthen case as India’s next long-term Test assets",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/manav-suthar-devdutt-padikkal-strengthen-case-as-indias-next-long",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T08:21:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/manav-suthar-devdutt-padikkal-strengthen-082100448.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India's emphatic win over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle has highlighted the emergence of two potential long-term assets - left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and batter Devdutt Padikkal. Suthar, at just 24, has already claimed 17 wickets across two Tests, including impressive hauls of five wickets twice and a remarkable 10-wicket match. His classical left-arm spin bowling was on full display in Galle, where he exploited loop, drift, turn and bounce. Padikkal, who returned to the team after a 19-month absence, made an immediate impact with a magnificent 167, followed by 44 in the second innings. His skill against spin on both front and back foot has strengthened his case to retain the No. 3 batting position. Former India left-arm spinner and selector Venkatapathy Raju attributes Suthar's rapid rise to his familiarity with subcontinental conditions and a successful stint with Warwickshire. Impressed by Suthar's high-arm action, aggression and ability to bowl long spells, Raju believes he can challenge both right-handers and left-handers. India vice-captain KL Rahul lauded Suthar's accuracy, subtle variations in pace and ability to exploit drift for making him such a potent threat. Rahul also praised Padikkal's performance, describing his 167 as the standout innings of the match and noting his special skill in bringing LBW into play and producing catches behind.",
  "summary": "Manav Suthar and Devdutt Padikkal have emerged as key players for India. Suthar claimed seventeen wickets in his first two Test matches. Padikkal scored a majestic 167 in his return to the team. Both players showcased significant skills during the recent Test series. Their performances offer promising long-term prospects for Indian cricket.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}