India’s crushing victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle unearthed two potential long-term assets in different departments — left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and batter Devdutt Padikkal.Suthar, in particular, looks every bit a Test star in the making. In just two Tests, the 24-year-old has claimed 17 wickets at an average of 11.35, including two five-wicket hauls and his maiden 10-wicket match haul. In Galle, he showcased the classical virtues of left-arm spin, extracting loop, drift, turn and bounce.Padikkal, meanwhile, grabbed his opportunity with both hands. Playing his first Test in 19 months after replacing the injured Sai Sudharsan at No. 3, the stylish left-hander marked his return with a majestic 167, the standout innings of the match, followed by a useful 44 in the second innings. Comfortable against spin on both the front and back foot, Padikkal has strengthened his case to retain the No. 3 slot.Suthar made an impact from his very first ball, trapping Dinesh Chandimal with a beauty that pitched, bounced and turned away before finding the edge to Rishabh Pant. On the final day, he wrapped up Sri Lanka’s tail with smart variations in pace and an effective straighter delivery.Former India left-arm spinner and selector Venkatapathy Raju believes familiarity with subcontinental conditions and a recent county stint with Warwickshire have played a key role in Suthar’s rapid rise. The youngster took 11 wickets in two county matches, including a maiden five-for against Somerset.“I was very impressed by Suthar’s attitude. He has a high-arm action, bowls close to the wicket and possesses the aggression needed to succeed as a left-arm spinner. Playing his first two Tests in familiar conditions has helped, while county cricket gave him valuable red-ball experience,” Raju told TOI.“This will do wonders for his confidence. He can bowl long spells, challenge both right-handers and left-handers and has shown all the signs of becoming a very good bowler.”India vice-captain KL Rahul credited Suthar’s accuracy, subtle changes in pace and ability to exploit drift for making him such a potent threat.“It’s the subtle variations from the same action and angle. He can bowl slower or quicker without changing his arm speed. In Galle, he used the wind beautifully to get drift before the ball either straightened or came back in,” Rahul said.Rahul also praised Suthar’s consistency in hitting the right areas.“His greatest strength is his pace through the air and his ability to challenge every mode of dismissal. The line he bowls brings LBW into play, while any turn can produce catches behind. That’s a special skill.”The vice-captain was equally effusive about Padikkal, with whom he shared a 150-run partnership in the first innings.“That innings defined the Test,” Rahul said. “The tempo he batted at and the fact that he converted it into a big hundred really set the game up for us. The conditions were physically demanding, so to get his first Test hundred and go on to score big was special. I’ve watched him grow through Karnataka cricket and it was wonderful to witness his first Test hundred.”
