In an era increasingly dominated by diverse bowling styles, Manav Suthar emerges as a refreshing anomaly, a classic left-arm finger spinner in a landscape often preferring variations and unorthodox techniques. His bowling evokes a sense of timeless elegance, a “classic which never gets old,” as described by observers. The effortless grace with which he approaches the crease and the seemingly magical flick of his wrist have drawn unanimous praise from those who have witnessed his ascent. The consistent observation, “Kalai mai jaadu hai, alag ball chalta hai iske haath se” (He has magic in his wrists. The ball spins viciously from his hand), speaks volumes about his innate talent.
Selectors were quick to recognize his potential, and his development has been meticulously charted, not just as a contingency plan for the future after Ravindra Jadeja but to cultivate an all-weather spinner capable of excelling in various conditions. Maninder Singh, a former India cricketer and an astute observer of spin bowling, becomes particularly animated when discussing Suthar’s artistry. His admiration stems from the impeccable way the ball emerges from Suthar’s hand, noting its excellent seam position, ideally pointing towards the slips. Maninder, who himself was a master of classical left-arm spin, witnessed Suthar’s performances in a Test match against Afghanistan and a couple of IPL games, even though Suthar didn’t always complete his full quota of overs. Despite limited opportunities, Suthar left a lasting impression, deemed a “delight to watch.” Maninder firmly believes Suthar possesses a bright future and is destined for a long career representing India, primarily because he hasn’t encountered such a classically proficient left-arm spinner in a considerable time. He emphasizes the simplicity and beauty of Suthar’s run-up, action, and the ball’s release, attributing this finesse to countless hours of dedicated practice in the nets, which he believes builds character evident in his match performances.
The term “revs on the ball,” a phrase that had somewhat faded from cricketing parlance with the advent of shorter formats and spinners prioritizing darts over traditional craft, has been resurrected by Suthar. He offers a breath of fresh air, reintroducing guile and deception, skillfully beating batsmen through the air rather than relying solely on pace. From his domestic circuit days to his performances for India A, close-in fielders have consistently noted the distinctive sound the ball makes upon leaving Suthar’s hand. This is a testament to the immense revolutions he imparts, allowing the ball to cut through the air and create drift. His bowling action is described as a smooth, uninterrupted brush stroke, devoid of any late jerks or twitches.
The impact of these “revs on the ball” wasn’t confined to India. Suthar’s brief stint with Warwickshire in County cricket, where he had the opportunity to bowl with a different cricket ball in English conditions, also garnered significant attention. Head coach Ian Westwood expressed immense satisfaction with Suthar’s signing, and despite playing only two games, the club is eager to welcome him back for more fixtures. Westwood highlights Suthar’s inherent qualities for success in a competitive environment like Indian cricket. He emphasizes that the ball leaves Suthar’s hand beautifully, and the revolutions he generates make him a spinner capable of thriving in any condition. Westwood described him as a “very smart operator” who, despite his short tenure, was well-liked within the team.
A striking example of Suthar’s adaptability and mental fortitude was his swift transition from his Test debut against Afghanistan to a County game in England. With only a three-day turnaround between the two matches – the Afghanistan game concluding in Mullanpur on June 8th and Suthar taking the field for Warwickshire in Scarborough on June 12th – he seamlessly adapted and made an immediate impact. Westwood further pointed out Suthar’s valuable contributions with the bat lower down the order, making him an all-round asset. Bowling in diverse conditions with a different ball in England, Westwood believes, significantly aids a spinner’s overall development and will prove beneficial for his future international assignments.
Coaches who have closely collaborated with Suthar at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) consistently praise his exceptional work ethic, particularly since VVS Laxman entrusted a former cricketer with the task of mentoring the left-armer. Following minor technical refinements, such as shortening his delivery stride, Suthar was primed for the ‘A’ team challenges, to which he responded emphatically. His coaches attest that this unwavering dedication to preparation and his focus on high-volume practice enable him to make adjustments effortlessly and remain perpetually battle-ready for any opportunity that arises.
Prior to his recent trip to Sri Lanka, Suthar dedicated time at the CoE to refine other subtle aspects of spin bowling. There, he received a crucial piece of advice regarding the unique challenges of bowling in Galle, particularly concerning the significant impact of the wind. The guidance he received was to “Use the breeze to your advantage. Whatever angle you bowl from, make sure the ball finishes on the stumps. Learn to use the drift according to the wind.” Maninder expands on this, explaining how the revolutions he imparts will naturally create drift, and if Suthar can master the art of utilizing the wind to his benefit, he will effectively negate the pitch’s influence, becoming a reliable asset for the team regardless of the playing conditions.
Maninder firmly believes that the drift generated by Suthar’s revolutions will always be an advantage. He reiterates that Suthar is a bowler who can take wickets on any surface, requiring no specifically turning pitches. His ability to pick up wickets, whether at home or overseas, makes him a strong contender. In a future scenario where India might opt for only one spinner in overseas matches, Maninder confidently asserts that Suthar possesses the potential to be that bowler. Since his arrival in Colombo in early August, Suthar has consistently impressed in net sessions, warm-up fixtures, and the recent session in Galle. The undeniable magic in his wrist has even led the team management to consider the rare strategy of fielding three spinners, despite all of them being finger spinners. This unconventional approach underscores Suthar’s unique talent; he is a bowler who, in a world attuned to the beats of techno, continues to make batsmen dance to the captivating rhythm of classical spin.
