Gill Turns to Suthar to Fill the All-Rounder Gap
India’s Test plans in Sri Lanka may now have an unexpected name at the centre of the balance debate: Manav Suthar.
A day before the Galle Test, Suthar was seen bowling on the side pitch under the watch of Sairaj Bahutule, while India continued to weigh up their combination. His case is simple but important — he offers left-arm spin, batting depth, and a possible solution to the all-rounder void created by injuries.
Why Suthar Is in the Conversation
India’s Test set-up under Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir has leaned towards having all-rounders in the XI, even in home-style conditions. But with Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar unavailable, India have been forced to look at a slightly less-tested option.
That is where Suthar comes in.
Gill made it clear that Suthar’s two-way ability has not gone unnoticed.
“I think that’s where someone like Manav comes in.”
— Shubman Gill.
Gill Sees a No. 8 Batter in Suthar
Gill did not present Suthar only as a bowler.
He specifically spoke about his batting potential, saying experience and confidence will come only when he gets chances in the middle.
“He’s someone with a great skill with bowling. And he’s got the potential to be a really good number eight batsman as well.”
— Shubman Gill.
That line matters because India’s question is not just about the third spinner. It is about finding someone who can keep the lower order from becoming too long.
The Numbers Support the Case
Suthar’s batting is not just theory.
The Rajasthan all-rounder has a first-class century and 1000-plus runs in 51 innings. In India’s recent warm-up game against SLC XI, he made 41 from 90 balls, showing he could bat time in tough conditions. Only Devdutt Padikkal and Ravindra Jadeja batted longer in that innings.
That makes him a credible option at No. 8 if India want the extra spinner without weakening the batting too much.
Saransh Jain Call-Up, But Suthar Has Gill’s Vote
India had called up Saransh Jain as a like-for-like replacement for Washington Sundar — a left-hand batter and right-arm offspinner profile.
But the signs from Galle suggest Suthar may have the stronger claim for the third spinner and all-rounder role, especially because Gill’s comments strongly backed his potential.
Second Pacer Decision Still Open
India’s other major selection call is the second pacer.
Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar are both in contention. Gurnoor impressed for India A at Galle last month with 10 wickets, including figures of 4/77 and 6/68, while Prasidh brings seven Tests of experience and hit-the-deck skills.
Gill admitted it will be a tough call.
“They both are very skilled bowlers and they bowled really well in the practice match.”
— Shubman Gill.
He also praised Gurnoor’s old-ball skill and extra bounce, while saying Prasidh has recently been bowling better than he has ever seen him bowl.
Interesting Angle for Sportish
The most interesting part is how India are trying to protect their team balance without Washington Sundar and Nitish Reddy.
Suthar is not a like-for-like replacement for either player, but he gives India something valuable in Sri Lankan conditions: spin depth, a left-arm angle, and enough batting promise to be trusted at No. 8. That makes him more than a back-up spinner. He is a balance pick.
For Gill, this is also an early captaincy test. Picking Suthar would mean backing potential in a high-skill role, not just choosing the safest name.
Key Takeaway
Manav Suthar has emerged as a serious option for India’s all-rounder slot in the Galle Test, with Shubman Gill praising his bowling skill and batting potential. With Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar injured, Suthar could give India the third-spinner balance they need while adding depth at No. 8.
India’s all-rounder gap may have a new answer.
Shubman Gill has backed Manav Suthar’s bowling skill and batting potential ahead of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka.
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