In the pantheon of formidable left-arm orthodox spinners to have emerged from India’s stable, Manav Suthar has all the ingredients needed to belong.
Having started his Test career against Afghanistan in June with a match haul of seven for 62, the 24-year-old’s stature has been further enhanced by bowling India to a 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle on Wednesday. Following his four for 76 in Sri Lanka’s first innings, Manav returned exemplary figures of 23.4-2-55-6 in the second.
Among Manav’s admirers already is Maninder Singh, a left-arm tweaker of repute who made his debut for India at the age of 17 and went on to play 35 Tests from 1982 to 1993.
“I’m very impressed with him, [even] when I first saw him during the IPL,” Maninder, with palpable excitement in his voice, told Sportstar. “The ball coming out of his hand is a sight. When I’m judging a spinner, I’m always seeing how the ball comes out of the hand. He is a class act.”
In an era where most spinners are hardwired to dart the ball at the stumps, Manav distinguishes himself as a classical operator who focuses on spinning the ball. Maninder, who modelled himself on the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi, decoded Manav’s X-factor.
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“He is someone who can turn the ball on any kind of surface. It is because he has got a very rhythmic run-up, a nice action, and that release and follow-through. He has got everything that a spinner needs,” assessed the 61-year-old.
Manav’s style has earned him comparisons to the great left-arm spinners of yesteryear. Maninder was rather modest when asked whether the youngster belonged to his mould.
“No, I wasn’t great at all. Bishan paji, yes, he was the greatest ever. I have never seen a spinner like him. Manav has got the material. I can see him playing for India for a long time,” he said.
Published on Aug 19, 2026
