The Golden Handcuffs of the IPL
The Indian Premier League is the most glamorous and lucrative cricket tournament in the world, and Manav Suthar is already a part of the Gujarat Titans setup. While the IPL offers financial security and experience against world-class players, it also
presents a significant danger for a classical spinner like Suthar. The pressure to develop T20-specific skills—bowling faster, flatter, and developing 'mystery' balls—can dilute the very strengths that make him special in Test cricket. His success comes from flight, drift, and relentless accuracy, attributes honed over long spells, not four-over bursts. The history of Indian cricket has cautionary tales of red-ball specialists who altered their games for white-ball riches and lost their unique edge. For Suthar, the challenge will be to use the IPL to learn and grow without letting it compromise the classical art that has taken him to the Indian Test team. The balance is delicate, and managing his priorities between formats will be the first big test of his burgeoning career.
Altering a God-Given Classical Style
Commentators and coaches have been unanimous in their praise for Suthar's 'old-school' left-arm orthodox action. He generates significant revolutions on the ball, uses his body and the crease intelligently, and maintains impeccable control over his line and length. This is what allowed him to take 10 wickets in only his second Test match. However, in the modern game, there is a constant temptation to innovate for innovation's sake. Spinners are often pushed to add a carrom ball, a different kind of slider, or a faster-flipper to their arsenal. While variety is useful, it can be a trap. Suthar's current method is already hugely effective precisely because it is built on consistency and subtle variations of pace and flight, which deceive batsmen over time. Drastically changing his action or focusing too much on 'trick' deliveries could corrupt his natural rhythm and the muscle memory that allows him to bowl long, probing spells. He must trust that his classical style, which has been described as 'made for red-ball cricket', is more than enough to succeed at the highest level. His focus should be on refining his existing craft, not replacing it.
Forgetting He Is a True All-Rounder
While his 10-wicket haul has rightly grabbed the headlines, it is crucial not to forget that Manav Suthar is a highly capable lower-order batsman. He has a strong domestic record with the bat, including a first-class century and multiple fifties, often scored in high-pressure situations. In fact, his father originally wanted him to be a batsman. Indian captain Shubman Gill has already identified Suthar's potential as a number eight batsman. In an era where the ability to contribute runs from the lower order is a non-negotiable for team balance, neglecting this skill would be a colossal mistake. As bowling success grows, it's easy for players to reduce their time in the batting nets. For Suthar, this would mean sacrificing his biggest secondary asset and a key point of difference from other spinners. By continuing to work on his batting, he positions himself not just as a strike bowler, but as a genuine all-rounder in the mould of Ravindra Jadeja—a player who can win a match with either bat or ball, making him indispensable to the team.
