Can Manav Suthar permanently replace Washington Sundar in India Test XI?

Manav Suthar has performed terrifically well for India in Test cricket.

The Indian Cricket Team is currently going through a period of transition in the longest format of the game. The team’s selection dynamics have recently changed following the retirements of legendary cricketers such as Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ravichandran Ashwin. 

The team that once made it to repeated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finals failed to qualify for the WTC 2023-25 Final before Shubman Gill took charge as the captain of the Indian red-ball side. With the legendary Ravichandran Ashwin going down, the battle for the lower-order spinner slot has brought a few of India’s most promising talents into the forefront. 

Though India have locked onto Axar Patel as the second all-rounder in command, replacing Ravindra Jadeja in both formats of limited-overs cricket, Test cricket demands a different dynamic. India’s current rebuilding phase demands long-term stability as the Shubman Gill-led side aims to qualify for the ICC WTC 2025-27 Final. 

Washington Sundar and Manav Suthar are the two spin-bowling all-rounders who have emerged as promising talents for the Indian red-ball side. What Gautam Gambhir demands from his all-rounders is match-winning spin bowling skills with lower-order batting resistance, which has recently proven to be a key success formula for overseas conditions. 

Washington Sundar to Manav Suthar: Spinners who have dominated since debut 

Washington Sundar, the right-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, made his debut for India back in 2021 as a 22-year-old youngster. Sundar instantly earned a reputation with his heroics from the Gabba in 2021. Having started his career as a batter, Sundar is a steady lower-order option for India.

Though Sundar began his career as a batter, he has the ability to bowl tidy spells. His batting makes him an exceptional asset, as was seen during India’s tour of England in 2025, where he also scored his maiden Test hundred. 

Entering the frame from the other end is the 23-year-old left-arm spinner Manav Suthar. Making his Test debut against Afghanistan earlier this year, Suthar delivered an absolute masterclass in spin bowling, finishing with seven wickets in the match. Though his effort with the bat is mostly balancing, Suthar stands apart as a spinner with his qualities to offer drift, sharp turn and natural variation off the pitch. 

Washington Sundar vs Manav Suthar: Who is better suited for India?

While Manav Suthar boasts a higher bowling strike rate in his short career with his purest spin variations, Washington Sundar offers greater versatility as a batter and also adds to the versatility against a left-handed-heavy lineup. 

While Suthar can be a handy lower-order hitman, Washington is more of a proven middle-order batter who has the natural ability to be promoted up the order. Sundar would be crucial to balance India’s depth in overseas conditions, while Suthar is more of a spin threat on friendly tracks.

With Sundar getting ruled out, Suthar featured in India’s playing XI against Sri Lanka in the ongoing first Test at Galle. He didn’t take long to make a mark as he picked wicket on the first ball that he bowled. As Ravindra Jadeja has entered the twilight of his career, Suthar is undoubtedly the ideal left-arm spin archetype that they would eventually need.  

Though Suthar can be an option for Sundar’s replacement, he might not immediately be ousting Sundar permanently. However, Suthar’s rapid rise promises to restore India’s lethal spin attack as they head to an all-win situation ahead of the WTC Final 2027.  

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