Debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar made an impressive start to his Test career, claiming 3-21 as India tightened their grip on the one-off Test against Afghanistan.
After India declared at a commanding 564/8, Suthar exploited the turning conditions brilliantly to reduce Afghanistan to 113/5 at stumps on Day 2, leaving the visitors trailing by 451 runs. The youngster dismissed Abdul Malik, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Afsar Zazai with disciplined bowling and sharp turn. Speaking after play, Suthar credited his success to consistently bowling in the right areas and backing his natural ability to generate spin.
He also acknowledged captain Shubman Gill’s support, saying the skipper’s understanding of his game helped him settle quickly into international cricket.