Indian Manav Suthar (AP Photo)
For Manav Suthar, the moment he learned of his maiden call-up to the Indian national team was a moment he will cherish forever. The young left-arm bowler revealed that his sister was the first to break the life-changing news to him when his name appeared in India’s squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan.Suthar was included in India’s XI for the Test at Mullanpur and was awarded his first ODI from senior pacer Kuldeep Yadav before the match began. The 23-year-old, who represented the Gujarat Titans under Shubman Gill during IPL 2026, also became India’s first Test bowling specialist since Axar Patel’s debut in 2021.
Speaking to JioStar, Suthar said, “I was in my room when my sister called me.
Maybe she was watching the team’s announcement event. She told me that my name had come up in the Indian team. I asked her if it was official. “She said yes, it’s official. She was the first one to contact me.”The news quickly spread among family members, sparking a wave of emotions. “Everyone was emotional when I got the call. My mum and dad, everyone called me. They couldn’t believe it. I can’t put it into words. It’s the biggest feeling.”
You worked hard for years and finally got selected for India. It’s the best feeling. “The best feeling of my life,” he said.Suthar also reflected on how cricket has become an integral part of his life. Growing up in a cricket-loving family, he was naturally drawn to the game while watching matches with his family. What started as street cricket with friends eventually developed into a serious pursuit when he joined a cricket academy at the age of 10 or 11.“Cricket has always been a big part of my family. My father loves the game, and everyone at home watches the matches regularly. When I was a young boy, I would sit with them and watch them. This is where my love for cricket first started. I started playing in the streets with my friends. These street games taught me the basics, how to hold the bat and how to bowl.”He credited coaches Dheeraj and Vinod with shaping his early development and pointed to his selection for the Rajasthan U-14 team as the turning point that convinced him that cricket could become a career.Despite his talent, Southar admitted that the path to the highest levels was filled with uncertainty and doubts. Competing in India’s crowded cricket scene meant there were no guarantees, and many people advised him to prioritize academics instead.“In a country like India, with such a large population, it is never easy to succeed in cricket. You never know what the future holds. There are so many talented players competing for the same few positions.
I’ve faced a lot of challenges along the way. Many people have told me to focus on my studies. They said there was no scope for cricket and that I was wasting my time. But I didn’t listen. I didn’t give up. “I just kept working hard, session after session, season after season.”Perseverance paid off in the end. Having emerged through Rajasthan’s domestic structure, Suthar has built an impressive first-class CV, collecting 129 wickets in 29 matches.
He has also represented his state in 25 List A matches and 29 T20 matches.Suthar revealed that strong performances in domestic cricket and in India A gave him confidence in approaching an international opportunity.“I had a great domestic season. I performed well for the India A team as well. My name was under discussion, and I knew the call could come at any time. It was a waiting game, but I remained patient. I make my Indian Premier League debut in 2024 for Gujarat Titans.”
I only played one game that season. “I didn’t have the chance to play in 2025, but I played four games in 2026, and I felt happy to be back on the field.”Now, with the Indian cap next to his name, Southar believes his years of dedication and sacrifice have finally been rewarded.“Now, all the hard work in domestic cricket and in India A has paid off. I am in the playing XI for the Afghanistan Test, making my international debut. It is a dream come true.
All the sacrifices finally paid off. He added: “I feel proud and grateful and ready to give my best for the country.”The Rajasthan player also spoke about the cricketers who shaped his ambitions. While his all-round style has won praise from experts, Suthar revealed that two of India’s greats have been his biggest inspirations throughout his journey.“
Yuvraj Singh
He is my favorite cricketer. I also really admire R Ashwin. The way they bowled, the versatility they have in their bowling, how they adapted to Test cricket, ODIs and T20s, is what inspires me a lot. “They are role models for me,” Southar said.