Maninder Singh praises Manav Suthar after India’s win in Galle

Manav Suthar bowled India to a 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle on Wednesday, and received public praise from former India left-arm spinner Maninder Singh.

The 24-year-old left-arm orthodox, who began his Test career against Afghanistan in June with a match haul of seven for 62, has attracted attention for a style described as a classical operator who focuses on spinning the ball; his performance in Galle has further enhanced his stature.

In the Galle Test Suthar took four for 76 in Sri Lanka’s first innings and returned figures of 23.4-2-55-6 in the second innings.

Maninder Singh, who made his India debut at 17 and played 35 Tests from 1982 to 1993, said he was impressed after first spotting Suthar in the IPL: "I’m very impressed with him. I got impressed when I first saw him during the IPL." He added, "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."

On Suthar’s technique, Maninder said: "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, who modelled himself on Bishan Singh Bedi.

Reflecting on his own career and on Suthar’s potential, Maninder was modest about his own standing: "No, I wasn’t great at all. Bishan paji, yes, he was the greatest ever. I have never seen a spinner like him. Suthar has got the material. I can see him playing for India for a long time," he said.