Making a mark in the first Test is the ultimate goal for every cricketer but not many are able to do that and leave a memorable impression that can be recalled for years. Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar has joined him in that exclusive club by his glittering performance versus Afghanistan.
The 23-year-old made his debut in Indian whites in his first match and took pride in a leading role in India’s victorious performance. His classy performance with the ball as well as his Player of the Match award to go with that victory, are the rare things that a few players in Indian cricket have accomplished on their debut Test match.
Suthar made his debut in style, disturbing the Afghans’ batting order all day. He collected six wickets in the first innings and a further wicket in the second to pick up seven wickets. He was instantly compared to some of the most successful debutants in India.
This feat is even more impressive when considering the Indian cricket history. A number of players have had memorable debuts to the Test format over the years but very few can claim to have won the Player of the Match in their debut.
Some of the names that have graced this list are the biggest ones in Indian cricket. Pravin Amre hit a century on debut in the early ’90s, while Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal all made their debut in their own special manner.
Now, there’s a new addition to that elite group: Manav Suthar.
The Indian players will be named Player of the Match on their debut Test debut.Indian players will be named Player of the Match on their debut Test debut.
| Year | Player |
|---|---|
| 1992 | Pravin Amre |
| 2006 | RP Singh |
| 2011 | Ravichandran Ashwin |
| 2013 | Shikhar Dhawan |
| 2013 | Rohit Sharma |
| 2018 | Prithvi Shaw |
| 2021 | Shreyas Iyer |
| 2023 | Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| 2026 | Manav Suthar |
Suthar’s display was enough to give India a control over the match, apart from getting the individual recognition. The hosts got a huge opening score with centuries from captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul in addition to some useful contributions from the middle order players.
The Indians, who had a mountain of runs on the board, found their bowlers in command and Suthar came across as the standout performer. His debut performance has not only bolstered his credentials for more chances to come but has also provided a fresh exciting spin option to Indian cricket in the coming years.
A Test debut is the start of a journey for most players. For Manav Suthar, it just might be the beginning of a special something.
