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At just 23, Rajasthan’s bowling all-rounder Manav Suthar has earned a place in the Indian Test squad against Afghanistan. He is one of three youngsters selected, alongside Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar.
Suthar’s family and childhood coach are happy to see their anxious wait end. “We are not surprised because he has been in contention for the last two-three years,” said dad Jagdish Kumar Suthar, a former teacher, told mid-day over the phone from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. The town is not traditionally known for producing top-level Indian cricketers, making Suthar’s rise even more remarkable.
Manav Suthar during an India ‘A’ game against Australia ‘A.’ Pic/Getty Images
At home, Suthar’s mother Sushila, a housewife, and his younger student-sister Mansi watched the announcement closely on TV. However, till last evening theyw ere still waiting to hear directly from Suthar, who is currently in Ahmedabad on IPL duty with the Gujarat Titans.
Suthar’s childhood coach, Dheeraj Sharma, recalled his ward’s early ambitions.
Manav Suthar’s coach Dheeraj Sharma
“It was Manav’s dream to be a red-ball bowler. His basics are most suitable for Test cricket and he has been trying hard to get to play Tests for India,” Sharma told mid-day. He explained that Suthar began his cricket journey as a batter before switching to left-arm spin bowling, determined to become a bowling all-rounder. His strong performances in domestic cricket paved the way for his selection, said the coach.
Beyond cricket, Suthar has always been disciplined in academics. An arts graduate, he scored 92 per cent in his Class X exams, a reflection of his dedication, both on and off the field.
From the quiet lanes of Sri Ganganagar to the grand stage of Test cricket, Suthar’s journey is a story of persistence, family faith, and a coach’s relentless guidance.
129
No. of wickets claimed by Manav Suthar in 29 first-class matches
3329
No. of first-class runs scored by Manav Suthar
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