Gill Backs Suthar for India's Middle Order

Learn why India's captain Shubman Gill is backing Manav Suthar, the young bowling all-rounder who impressed on debut, to fill a key middle-order role amidst injuries.

India's captain, Shubman Gill, has explained the team's strategic selection of Manav Suthar to bolster their all-rounder options in Test cricket. The 23-year-old bowling all-rounder recently made his Test debut against Afghanistan in June 2026, where he impressed by taking seven wickets in the match, including figures of 6 for 33 in the first innings. Suthar's inclusion addresses the team's need for players who can contribute with both bat and ball.

Gill highlighted Suthar's potential to bat effectively at the number eight position. He emphasized that while Suthar possesses strong bowling skills, he also has the capability to score runs. This dual-threat ability is crucial for India's tactical approach to balancing the middle order's demands. Suthar's emergence was necessitated by injuries to other key all-rounders.

The Indian squad has experienced setbacks with key players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar unavailable due to injury. This created an opening for a player like Suthar, whose profile aligns with the team's requirement for a bowling all-rounder capable of contributing with the bat. Suthar's debut performance against Afghanistan underscored his bowling talent, which had already attracted the selectors' attention.

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