Jaipur: Manav Suthar, the left-arm spinner from Sri Ganganagar in northwest Rajasthan, is not a familiar face at the Indian Premier League, a springboard for the emerging talent. Signed by Gujarat Titansfor Rs 20 lakh in 2024 and re-signed for Rs 30 lakh in 2025, he has played just one game in 2024, where his performance faded into the high-octane spotlight. A handful of balls, no standout wickets, and a fleeting presence.Ordinary at best.But beneath the surface of those quiet outings lies a player brimming with promise. Manav grew up spinning a cricket ball through the dusty streets of his small town, dreaming beyond the desert’s edge. His left-arm orthodox spin, sharp and quick, turned heads in Rajasthan’s age group circuits.Coming from a lower-middle class background, Manav’s father Jagdeesh Suthar, a physical education teacher in a private school, backed him to play cricket. The youngster was 12 when his father enrolled him in the district cricket association’s academy which provided him with every necessary support. By 2021, at 19, he stepped onto the first-class stage for Rajasthan against Andhra in the Ranji Trophy. Unfazed, he claimed 44 wickets in his first eight matches, four four-wicket hauls, two five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls.The 2022–23 Ranji season cemented his name with 39 wickets in six games.His coach Dheeraj Sharma shares that Manav is sincere towards his goals, but when VVS Laxman told him that he is being ‘looked at’, the 22-year-old disciplined himself further.“At NCA in 2022-23, VVS Laxman told him that we are looking at you and if you continue doing well in the Ranji Trophy, you will be picked for India A. His motivation increased a lot after that,” Manav’s coach told TOI.Manav’s bat added another chapter. In Duleep Trophy 2024-25, he scored 82 for India C against India B, anchoring a faltering lineup. Weeks later, an unbeaten 96 against Puducherry in the Ranji Trophy showcased his nerve. His seven-wicket haul (7/49) against India D in the Duleep Trophy proved he could swing games single-handedly.What makes Manav stand out? “He is a left-arm spinner in the classical mould. What differentiates him from others is his straight-arm action. His batting is also his strength,” Dheeraj added.His journey took him from a Gujarat Titans net bowler in 2022 to the 2023 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, where he debuted for India A, and a tour to South Africa. Every step showcased his hunger.Now, in 2025, a new stage beckons. Manav has earned a spot in the India A squad for England, set to play two unofficial Tests against England Lions (May 30–June 2 and June 6–9) and a practice match against India’s senior team (June 13–16).
England tour with India A team may boost Manav’s career | Jaipur News
