India are currently taking on Sri Lanka in the first Test of the three-match series at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. India are on top in this match, and are looking set for a big win to get their campaign in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 back on track.
One of the standout players for India has been all-rounder Manav Suthar, who is playing just his second game for India. He was the star in the first innings taking fou wickets, while also picking two in the second innings so far, as India need 6 more wickets on Day 5 to win the match. Former India star Aakash Chopra has now called Suthar an upgraded version of Ravindra Jadeja.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Manav Suthar has become an integral part of India’s Test plans in Asia from now on, because of his bowling. Along with that, he can also bat, and hence, can be in India’s plans for overseas conditions as well. he then said that purely as a bowler, Manav Suthar is an upgraded version of Ravindra Jadeja.
“I will say yes because he is a mighty guy. When he releases the ball, it drifts, bounces, and turns. He dismisses you while defending. When you can make the opposing batter lick dust while defending, and that too repeatedly, that tells you this guy has the might,” Aakash Chopra said.
“Along with that, he also bats, which means you can keep him in mind even in overseas conditions. I am seeing him as a successor to Ravindra Jadeja because Jaddu will go at some stage, and you will need somebody like him. If I look at him purely as a bowler, I think he is Jadeja’s upgraded version,” he added.
From Sri Ganganagar To Team India Glory
Aakash Chopra also acknowledged ‘s humble background, and praised the fact that coming from a non-cricketing place like Sri Ganganagar, he made it big, having delivered a Player of the Match performance in his first Test for India (vs Afghanistan).
“Suthar has played only two Test matches, and he is consistently saying that he is good. He comes from Sri Ganganagar. It’s far away from a cricket hotspot. However, to come from there and then to focus on long-form cricket and consistently take wickets, Duleep Trophy, India A, then India, and a Player of the Match performance in his first match itself,” Aakash Chopra further said.