- By Sunny Daud
- Sun, 07 Jun 2026 02:02 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Young spinner Manav Suthar revealed that his India call-up is the reward for years of hard work, patience, and belief. The 23-year-old Rajasthan all-rounder has been named in India's squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan
The left-arm spinner has steadily climbed the ranks through strong performances in domestic cricket and for India A. His journey began in the streets and continued despite many people advising him to choose a different path.
How Manav picked cricket?
Suthar revealed that his love for cricket came from his family, where the game was always a major part of daily life.
"Cricket has always been a big part of my family. My father loves the game, and everyone at home watches matches regularly. As a young boy, I used to sit with them and watch.That is where my love for cricket first started. I began playing in the streets with my friends. Those street games taught me the basics, how to hold the bat and how to bowl."
Like many young cricketers in India, he first learned the game through casual matches with friends before moving into structured coaching.
Suthar joined a cricket academy when he was around 10 or 11 years old. It was there that he started receiving professional training and learned the finer details of the game.
"When I was 10 or 11, I joined a proper cricket academy. I started training under coach Dheeraj sir and Vinod sir.They taught me the right techniques and helped me improve my game.
"My first big breakthrough came when I played for Rajasthan in the Under-14 category. That experience gave me a lot of motivation. I realized that I could make a career out of this sport. From there, my journey as a cricketer truly began."
Representing Rajasthan at the Under-14 level gave him the confidence to dream bigger and take cricket seriously as a profession.
Suthar admitted that his journey was far from easy. Like many aspiring cricketers, he had to deal with constant doubts from people around him.
"In a country like India, with such a huge population, succeeding in cricket is never easy. There are so many talented players competing for the same few spots. I faced a lot of challenges along the way. Many people told me to focus on my studies.They said cricket had no scope and that I was wasting my time.
"But I didn't listen. I didn't give up. I kept working hard, session after session, season after season. I had a great domestic season. I performed well for India A too. I knew the call could come anytime. It was a waiting game, but I stayed patient."
His patience eventually paid off as he continued producing strong performances year after year. Suthar has been one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket over the last few seasons.
He grabbed 39 wickets in six matches during the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season and established himself as one of Rajasthan's key bowlers.
His form continued in the following years, earning him regular opportunities with India Emerging and India A teams.
In the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, he picked up 18 wickets in just three matches, including a brilliant match-winning spell of 8 for 42 against Chhattisgarh.
Overall, Suthar has taken 129 wickets in 29 first-class matches. He has also contributed with the bat, scoring one century and six half-centuries.
Suthar's IPL journey has had its ups and downs. He made his debut for the Gujarat Titans in 2024 but played only one game. He did not feature in the 2025 season before returning to play four matches in 2026. Despite limited opportunities, he believes every experience helped him become a better cricketer.
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"It felt good to be back on the field. Now, all the hard work in domestic cricket and for India A has paid off. Making my international debut, it is a dream come true. All the sacrifices have finally paid off. I feel proud, grateful, and ready to give my best for the country."
The moment Suthar found out about his India selection is something he says he will never forget. The news first reached him through his sister, and soon the entire family was celebrating.
"I was in my room when my sister called me. She told me that my name had come up in the Indian team. I asked her if it was official. She said 'yes'. Everyone was emotional when I got the call.
"Dad, mom, everyone called me. They couldn't believe it. I can't describe it in words. It's the biggest feeling. You work hard for years, and then you finally get selected for India.It's the best feeling of my life."
When asked about his cricketing idols, Suthar named two former Indian stars who have inspired him throughout his journey.
"Yuvraj Singh is my favourite cricketer. I also really admire R Ashwin. The way they bowled, the variety they had in their bowling, and how they adapted to Test cricket, ODIs, and T20s, that inspires me a lot.They are my role models."
He hopes to learn from their example as he begins his own international career. Suthar also had positive things to say about India captain Shubman Gill, praising both his tactical awareness and leadership style.
"He is a very good captain, reads the game well, understands the situation, the pitch, and the matchups. He knows exactly which area to bowl and what pace to use for each bowler.He is a clever captain.
"More importantly, he trusts his players. He gives you confidence and then lets you do your job. Because he is so clear in his thinking, he makes your job very easy on the field. You don't have to second-guess anything. You just focus on executing your plans."