'He will be one of the best bowlers in Test cricket in the future' - Hanuma Vihari analyses Manav Suthar's bowling traits
Hanuma Vihari breaks down the technical elements that make Manav Suthar a difficult proposition for opposition batters in Test cricket.
Manav Suthar claimed a ten-wicket match haul in just his second Test as India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test in Galle between August 15 and 19, 2026. The 24-year-old left-arm spinner took four wickets in the first innings and six for 55 in the second innings, extending his remarkable early Test career to 17 wickets in just two games at an average of 11.35.
His debut performance had already turned heads when he returned figures of six for 33 against Afghanistan at Mullanpur Stadium in New Chandigarh in June 2026, the second-best bowling figures by an Indian on debut after Narendra Hirwani.
Hanuma Vihari, the former India batter, offered a detailed technical breakdown of what makes Suthar such a formidable bowler in the longest format.
Vihari's analysis focused on the technical foundations that separate Suthar from other spinners. The former India batter identified wrist position as the primary factor for generating turn, explaining that correct wrist mechanics are essential for any spinner aiming to succeed at the highest level. Vihari also emphasised the importance of body movement and alignment, noting that when a bowler's entire body moves towards the batter and remains behind the ball, both drift and turn become available as attacking options.
Vihari concluded his analysis by offering a bold prediction about Suthar's future in Test cricket, based on the technical excellence and fluency already evident in his action and approach to the game.
"One of the main reasons India won against Sri Lanka was Manav Suthar's bowling. Not because of his wickets, he was taking them anyway, but the way he was bowling. He has everything a very impressive spinner needs. For a spinner, if the wrist position is correct, then turn is obtained. If the body is moving towards the batter and the entire body is behind the ball, then drift and turn are also there," Vihari said in a video on his YouTube channel.
"If you observe another thing, his bowling action is diagonal. After coming into the action, he stays close to the crease, so his entire direction is towards the stumps. His major dismissals are LBW and bowled because he attacks the stump line. That is his biggest strength, and his action is also very fluent. I think he will be one of the best bowlers in Test cricket in the future," he added.
India and Sri Lanka will lock horns once again in the decisive second Test, with 12 crucial World Test Championship points up for grabs. The Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo is the venue for the second Test, and the action commences on Sunday, August 23.
India will have a toss-up between Saransh Jain and Kuldeep Yadav, who played the last game but failed to make an impact. Jain will bring more to the table with the bat, as he averages over 30 in first-class cricket and his off-spin bowling is quite steady.
Download Our App