As the team deals with its all-rounder needs in the Test format, Indian captain Shubman Gill has explained why India is looking to Manav Suthar. In a one-off Test in June 2026, the 23-year-old bowling all-rounder made his Test debut against Afghanistan, ending with match figures of 7 for 62 after taking 6 for 33 in the first innings. Suthar’s rise coincides with India’s squad managing injuries to important all-rounders. Gill emphasised Suthar’s batting prowess and left-arm spin as important qualities that may provide India the balance they need in the absence of their regular all-rounders.
On Saturday, India’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka will get underway in Galle. The first match will also be the nation’s 600th Test. Gill noted that although India has chosen a more specialised lineup for the series, Suthar’s batting prowess may provide the team with the necessary balance.
Captain Shubman Gill at Sri Lanka Tests Conference:
At the pre-match conference, Shubman Gill said, “That’s where someone like Manav Suthar comes in. He’s got the ability with the bat, and we know he can perform. At this level, you need a bit of experience, belief, and confidence, and that will only come once you’re out there playing and scoring runs. Hopefully, he does that in this series. He has great skill with his bowling and the potential to be a really good number eight batsman as well.”
Within India’s Test hierarchy, Suthar’s profile fulfils a certain function. The team has Washington Sundar as a bowling all-rounder and Nitish Kumar Reddy as a batting all-rounder, but both players’ ailments forced India to explore elsewhere. Suthar was a desirable candidate for the position created by these circumstances because of his dual skill with bat and ball.
With batsman Sai Sudharsan out due to a stress reaction in his right toe and top fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah sidelined by a recurrent left knee problem, India would be without a number of important players for the series. Gill expressed confidence in the squad’s abilities and confirmed that the team’s morale is still high despite these absences.
In his Test debut, the youthful all-rounder showed off his bowling prowess right away. His performance against Afghanistan demonstrated the talent that had drawn the attention of India’s coaching staff and selectors. All-rounders are incorporated into the Test lineup as part of Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir’s strategy, and Suthar’s rise demonstrated their faith in producing players who can contribute in both areas.
