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‘Player of the Match’ Manav Suthar
Chandigarh: Team India scripted history on Monday with a record-breaking innings and 300-run victory over Afghanistan in the one-off Test at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. The emphatic win marked one of India's most dominant performances in Test cricket.
The star of India's victory was debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who delivered a memorable performance in his maiden Test appearance. The Rajasthan spinner claimed seven wickets in the match, including an outstanding six-wicket haul in the first innings, helping India secure complete control of the contest.
Manav Suthar Seven Wickets Match Figures:
| Innings | Wickets | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | 6 wickets | 33 runs |
| 2nd Innings | 1 wicket | - |
| Total Match | 7 wickets | - |
With his six-wicket spell, Suthar became only the seventh Indian bowler to claim a five-wicket haul in his debut Test innings. His remarkable performance earned him the prestigious Player of the Match award and established him as one of India's most promising spin talents.
Top Indian Test Debut Bowling Figures:
| Rank | Bowler | Wickets | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Narendra Hirwani | 8 wickets | Test debut |
| 2nd | Manav Suthar | 6 wickets | Test debut |
| 3rd | Other debutants | 5+ wickets | Test debut |
Speaking after receiving the Player of the Match award, Suthar highlighted the importance of discipline and patience in the longest format of the game.
"The biggest lesson is that consistency is everything. You have to keep bowling in the same area over and over again. I think that's the most important thing in Test cricket. It's a format that demands a lot of patience," Suthar said during the presentation ceremony.
The young spinner further emphasized the value of sticking to plans and maintaining accuracy throughout long spells.
"That's what I've learned, keep being patient, stick to your plans and keep hitting the right areas consistently," he added.
Suthar's sensational debut has generated excitement among Indian cricket fans and experts alike. His ability to maintain consistency, extract turn, and apply pressure on batters could make him a valuable asset for India's Test setup in the years to come.
Location : Chandigarh
Published : 8 June 2026, 6:10 PM IST