'Pitch does not matter' - Ajinkya Rahane praises Manav Suthar after a stellar SL series

Manav Suthar has made an impressive start to his Test career, taking 17 wickets in just two matches at an average of 11.35. The young left-arm spinner demonstrated exceptional skill in the recent series against Sri Lanka, where India secured a 1-0 lead in the two-match series with a 165-run victory in the first Test at Galle in 2026. Suthar became the second Indian bowler after Narendra Hirwani to pick up six wickets or more in his first two Test appearances.

Ajinkya Rahane, the former India captain, has publicly acknowledged Suthar's outstanding performances and technical excellence. Speaking about the young spinner's qualities, Rahane highlighted two key aspects that set Suthar apart from other emerging bowlers in the Indian setup.

"I have noticed two things about Manav. The first thing is that for him, the pitch does not matter, whether it turns or not. His speed through the air helps him deceive the batters. It is important and good that you do not depend on the wicket as a spinner. Then you can do well in any condition." Rahane said on his YouTube channel.

How Suthar's deceptive pace transcends pitch conditions

Rahane's assessment of Suthar's technical approach reflects the spinner's ability to maintain discipline with line and length while generating good drift. His deceptive release has proven difficult for batters to read, allowing him to take wickets across varying pitch conditions.

In the second Test against Sri Lanka, Suthar took six wickets for 55 runs, adding to his four-wicket haul in the first innings to complete his maiden ten-wicket haul in Tests.

"The other thing was the way he altered the speed. He has been a quick learner in just three games. He bowled differently to each batter and used the angles well. Yes, it is early, but he has done well," he added.

Rahane also highlighted Suthar's capacity for rapid improvement and tactical awareness. The former captain noted that despite playing only his second Test in the Sri Lanka series, Suthar demonstrated maturity in his approach to different batters and situations.

Suthar's rapid rise in Test cricket has already drawn attention for his exceptional performances. Playing only his second Test, he impressed with his line and length, becoming the youngest Indian bowler to take a ten-wicket haul in an away Test for India. His ability to perform effectively in his early matches, combined with his technical skill and learning capacity, has positioned him as a significant prospect for India's bowling attack.

Rahane backs Kuldeep after Galle Test

Read More

Rahane backs Kuldeep after Galle Test

Preparing for New Zealand a different challenge

Rahane also reflected on the challenges that lie ahead for India's bowling unit as the team prepares for its next Test assignment in New Zealand. The contrasting conditions in New Zealand will require a different approach and preparation strategy compared to the subcontinental pitches of Sri Lanka.

"The conditions will be totally different in New Zealand. You need to read the wicket and adapt that way. In the last five to six years, we have seen that the team adapts well," Rahane added.

"I expect them to prepare well. The good thing was that they played a practice match in Sri Lanka. If they get the time for that in New Zealand too, it will be very crucial for mental and physical preparation, even skill-wise," he concluded.