Cheteshwar Pujara Urges Manav Suthar to Focus on Test Cricket Over IPL
Pujara's Guidance for Rising Star Manav Suthar
Cheteshwar Pujara, the former Indian Test cricketer, has offered crucial advice to spin-bowling all-rounder Manav Suthar, urging him to resist the temptation of the Indian Premier League (IPL) following his impressive 10-wicket performance in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium on August 19.
Suthar played a pivotal role in India's 165-run victory, taking four wickets in the first innings and an outstanding six in the second, culminating in a total of 10 wickets for the match. His remarkable triple-wicket maiden over effectively dashed Sri Lanka's hopes during their chase of 372 runs.
This match marked Suthar's second Test appearance, following a stellar debut against Afghanistan in June, where he also claimed six wickets in the first innings.
‘Avoid the IPL’
Pujara expressed admiration for Suthar's performance but stressed the need to maintain his natural red-ball skills instead of adapting to the demands of white-ball cricket and the IPL.
He stated, "We have discussed before that while young players may aspire to play shorter formats, it’s essential to preserve Suthar for Test cricket. If he gets an IPL opportunity, that’s fine, but he shouldn’t compromise his strengths."
Pujara acknowledged that while Suthar might want to participate in the IPL, he should not alter his bowling style significantly. He emphasized that Suthar's effectiveness lies in his natural abilities.
‘Stay True to Your Style’
Continuing his advice, Pujara praised Suthar for his patience and ability to bowl effectively with flight, even with a new ball. He believes that Suthar's approach could secure him a long-term position in the national team.
Pujara remarked, "For someone like Suthar, who is willing to flight the ball and bowl slower in red-ball cricket, there’s no need to change. Don’t alter your natural talent for the IPL. His bowling in the first innings showed he can put the ball in the right areas, indicating that India has found a promising left-arm spinner for the future."
Suthar's Impressive Stats
So far in his Test career, Manav Suthar has taken 17 wickets at an impressive average of 11.35 and an economy rate of 2.49 across four innings in two matches. In first-class cricket, he has claimed 157 wickets, including nine five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket hauls, with an average of 24.36 and an economy rate of 2.90 over 33 matches.