Team India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed the young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who leaked runs on Day 4 of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Notably, Suthar has scalped 22 wickets so far in the three games he has played.
However, on Wednesday, Suthar had a rough day as he conceded close to five runs an over as Sri Lankan batters constantly targeted the spinner. Batters Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva slammed him for four sixes.
While speaking at the post-day press conference after Day 4, Bahutule said it will be a great learning experience for Suthar and that he is well prepared to tackle such moments in the near future.
“It is an experience for him. This is just his third Test match. He is going to face different situations, as he is going to play along and he is well prepared for that, to be very honest. He knew that they were going to charge at him. He created those opportunities, but it didn’t go in his favour in that period,” said Bahutule in the post-day press conference.
However, Suthar returned for a second spell, picking up two wickets and giving away only 15 runs in six overs. He dismissed Sooriyabandara and De Silva and turned the momentum towards Team India.
“He is definitely a learning cricketer. What I like about him is his resilience. It is fabulous. Regardless of the situation, whenever you throw the ball to him, he will give that 100 per cent. He is very composed. He understands what is expected of him,” he added.
“The Lankan batters also did well against him today. In fact, they did play some good shots. But I am sure, again, the learnings from this game, he will take them forward. He will be better equipped when the same situation arises,” he concluded.
