Young Indian spinner Manav Suthar picked up four wickets in the first innings and two scalps in the second essay of the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Monday. The 24-year-old got the wickets of Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Udara, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Lahiru Kumara. The spinner ended the innings with figures of 4/76 from his 21.4 overs. In the second innings, he got rid of Lahiru Udara Igalagamage and Pasindu Sooriyabandara.

Aakash Chopra said that the bowler was a natural successor to Ravindra Jadeja after his performance in the first innings of the Galle Test. The 48-year-old stated that with Jadeja’s international career winding down, Suthar could do the job with the ball and bat.

Suthar made his Test debut against Afghanistan in June and took six wickets in the first innings. He ended the game with seven wickets and was named the Player of the Match for his efforts. Manav has picked up 13 wickets so far and will be keen to add more scalps in the second essay with the pitch starting to take turn.

On the other hand, Jadeja also did well with the ball, taking three wickets and went past the 350-mark. This made him the fourth cricketer to score 4000 Test runs and also take 350 wickets. Veteran all-rounder turns 38 this December.

‘Manav is a jewel that hasn’t been shined’ – Ajay Jadeja

Ajay Jadeja also lauded the young spinner. The 55-year-old compared the cricketer to his senior teammate Ravindra Jadeja.

“It is a good sign for Indian cricket. We have praised Ravi Jadeja a lot. Manav is also a left-arm seamer, but his bowling is different. One player is at the top of his career, but the other has just started, and we have seen Suthar outperform and outshine his senior teammate.”

The former batter also added, “He has a senior bowler with so much experience, which is a huge advantage for him. Jadeja is a Kohinoor, who is already polished and put on a crown, while Manav is a Jewel who will be polished.”