South Africa’s veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj believes India have found a gem in young left-arm bowler Manav Suthar. Maharaj has watched only glimpses of Suthar’s bowling in Galle so far. Yet he is confident the Rajasthan player can carry forward India’s rich legacy of left-arm spinners. The praise carries weight, given Maharaj’s own standing in world cricket.
Maharaj Confident About Suthar’s Future
Maharaj has taken 218 wickets in 62 Tests. He praised Suthar after watching social media highlights of the Galle Test. “He has started his career very well,” Maharaj told PTI on Saturday.
The 36-year-old believes Suthar can handle India’s spin attack for the next 10 years. “India have found a brilliant player,” he said. Maharaj pointed to Suthar’s figures of 4 for 71 and 6 for 55 in the first Test.
He expects Suthar to take charge once the current greats retire from the game.
Control and Variations Impress the South African
Maharaj loves Suthar’s control over the ball and his range of variations. “His control is very good,” he said. “He makes small changes to the ball very well.”
The veteran also recalled Suthar’s strong run for Warwickshire in county cricket. Maharaj has claimed five-wicket hauls 12 times in Test cricket. He rates the youngster as a future leader of India’s spin unit.
Suthar Stars in India’s 165-Run Win
Suthar took 10 wickets in only his second Test. His match haul powered India to a 165-run victory in Galle. The two-match series now stands at 1-0 in India’s favour.
The 24-year-old credited the team’s early arrival in Sri Lanka for the result. The extra time helped players adjust to the conditions and the Kookaburra ball. Suthar also played two red-ball matches for Warwickshire before the tour.
He bowled 45.2 overs across the Test. His second-innings spell of 6-55 made him the best performer among India’s spin trio. Suthar has now taken 17 wickets in his first two Test appearances.
