‘Good thing he can bat but needs to improve’ – Deep Dasgupta on Manav Suthar after impressive Sri Lanka tour

Manav Suthar made an impressive start to his Test career in the one-off Test against Afghanistan earlier this year as he bagged seven wickets in the clash. During India’s tour of Sri Lanka last month, he went from strength to strength, claiming 16 wickets across two matches at an average of 21.06.

The 24-year-old all-rounder delivered a standout performance in the opening Test at the Galle International Stadium from August 15 to 19, taking a ten-wicket match haul in just his second Test appearance. His second-innings figures of 6 for 55 proved decisive as India secured a 165-run victory in that match. With the bat, Suthar scored 51 runs across three innings during the series, which India won 1-0.

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta assessed Suthar’s overall contribution to the series and highlighted both his strengths and areas for development. Dasgupta acknowledged the all-rounder’s bowling credentials while noting that his batting performance during the tour left room for improvement. The assessment reflected recognition of Suthar’s exceptional bowling display and the potential for tactical flexibility if his batting could be strengthened.

“He is very orthodox and has good action. He is a big positive. Good that he can bat, but he can improve a bit. Because he has the ability to bat and has an idea to bowl with the Kookaburra as well.” Dasgupta said in a video on his YouTube channel.

“Let’s say he improves his batting a bit more, it opens up the option for you to play two spinners. Maybe he cannot become a batting all-rounder, but can always be a bowler who can contribute with the bat. It is a massive positive,” he added.

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How improved batting could unlock tactical options

Dasgupta’s comments underscored how Suthar’s development as a batter could expand India’s tactical options in future Test matches. The cricketer-turned-commentator identified batting as an area where focused work could yield significant returns for the team’s selection flexibility. Suthar’s bowling excellence had already been demonstrated through his match-winning performance at Galle, where his scintillating bowling in both innings helped seal India’s victory in the opening Test of the series.