Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Pujara Urges Suthar to Protect His Test-Style Strength
Manav Suthar is a young cricket player who bowls spin for India.
He has bowled very accurately and at a steady speed.
This has made it difficult for opposing batters to score runs.
Some people see him as a possible replacement for India’s senior spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin.
Former player Cheteshwar Pujara gave Suthar advice about his career.
Pujara said Suthar should not change his natural bowling style just to play in the Indian Premier League.
He said playing the IPL is fine if Suthar gets the chance.
However, Pujara believes Suthar should protect the skills that make him effective in Test matches.
Manav Suthar has impressed as India’s left-arm spinner in the Sri Lanka Test.
The 24-year-old has been praised for his accuracy and consistent bowling pace.
Suthar appears to be emerging as a potential lead spinner after Ravichandran Ashwin.
Cheteshwar Pujara advised Suthar not to change his strengths for shorter-format cricket.
Pujara said playing the Indian Premier League would be fine if Suthar gets the opportunity, but urged him to preserve his Test skills.
- Who
- Cheteshwar Pujara advised India spinner Manav Suthar, who is being compared with Ravichandran Ashwin’s role.
- What
- Pujara urged Suthar not to alter his bowling strengths solely to pursue Indian Premier League opportunities.
- When
- The advice was reported during India’s first Test against Sri Lanka, with Day 3 taking place on August 17, 2026.
- Where
- The Test was being played at the Galle International Stadium in Galle, Sri Lanka.
- Why
- Pujara believes Suthar should preserve the accuracy and consistent pace that have made him effective in Test cricket.
- Player
- Manav Suthar
- Age
- 24
- Bowling style
- Left-arm spin
- Match
- First Test between Sri Lanka and India
- Venue
- Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka
- Advice source
- Cheteshwar Pujara, speaking on Sony Sports Network
- Main advice
- Do not change his strengths just to play in the Indian Premier League