Manav Suthar Handed India Test Debut; Gill Opts To Bat Against Afghanistan

Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Manav Suthar was handed his maiden India Test cap as captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first against Afghanistan in the one-off Test at Mullanpur on Friday.

The 23-year-old Rajasthan cricketer received his cap from Kuldeep Yadav ahead of the start of play, marking a significant milestone for the youngster.

The smile says it all ☺️🧢

Congratulations to debutant Manav Suthar as he receives his #TeamIndia Test cap from Kuldeep Yadav 🙌

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Au50EfVM30#INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/YRa3nUnYIY

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 6, 2026

Confirming the debut at the toss, Gill said India were keen to make the most of batting conditions on what is expected to be a hot and increasingly slow

surface.

“We are gonna bat first. Very hot and humid. It’s going to get slower and lower,” Gill said. “It’s a great privilege to captain here. The preparation has been good. We’ve got Manav Suthar making his debut.”

Suthar’s Journey

Since making his first-class debut for Rajasthan against Andhra in February 2022, the left-arm spinner has emerged as one of the most effective bowlers on the domestic circuit.

In 29 first-class matches, Suthar has collected 129 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 2.94 while also contributing valuable runs lower down the order.

The youngster has remained on the selectors’ radar ever since he was invited to India’s preparatory camp ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Although he featured for the Gujarat Titans during IPL 2026, opportunities were limited.

Suthar played four matches and picked up two wickets before dropping out of the playing XI after the game against Punjab Kings in early May.

Mullanpur’s Test Debut

Conditions also influenced India’s decision to field a specialist spin-bowling all-rounder in Mullanpur, which is hosting its first-ever Test match and becomes India’s 31st Test venue.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, are playing only their second Test against India after their historic debut encounter in 2018. The visitors are without star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who continues to manage a back issue and has been advised against playing red-ball cricket for now.