‘People said cricket had no scope’: Manav Suthar's emotional reaction after India debut

For Manav Suthar, the moment he learned about his maiden India call-up was one he will cherish forever. The young left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder revealed that it was his sister who first broke the life-changing news to him when his name appeared in India's squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan.Suthar was included in India's playing XI for the Test in Mullanpur and received his debut cap from senior spinner Kuldeep Yadav before the start of the match. The 23-year-old, who represented Gujarat Titans under the captaincy of Shubman Gill during IPL 2026, also became India's first specialist spin-bowling Test debutant since Axar Patel made his debut in 2021.Speaking to JioStar, Suthar recalled, "I was in my room when my sister called me. Maybe she was watching the squad announcement event. She told me that my name had come up in the Indian team. I asked her if it was official. She said yes, it's official. She was the first one to call me."The news quickly spread through the family, triggering an outpouring of emotions. "Everyone was emotional when I got the call. Dad, mom, everyone called me. They couldn't believe it. I can't describe it in words. It's the biggest feeling. You work hard for years, and then you finally get selected for India. It's the best feeling. The best feeling of my life," he said.Suthar also reflected on how cricket became an inseparable part of his life. Growing up in a cricket-loving household, he was naturally drawn to the game while watching matches with his family. What started as street cricket with friends eventually developed into a serious pursuit when he joined a cricket academy at the age of 10 or 11."Cricket has always been a big part of my family. My father loves the game, and everyone at home watches matches regularly. As a young boy, I used to sit with them and watch. That is where my love for cricket first started. I began playing in the streets with my friends. Those street games taught me the basics, how to hold the bat and how to bowl."He credited coaches Dheeraj and Vinod for shaping his early development and pointed to his selection for Rajasthan's Under-14 side as the turning point that convinced him cricket could become a profession.Despite his talent, Suthar acknowledged that the road to the highest level was filled with uncertainty and skepticism. Competing in India's crowded cricketing landscape meant there were no guarantees, and many people advised him to prioritise academics instead."In a country like India, with such a huge population, succeeding in cricket is never easy. You never know what the future holds. There are so many talented players competing for the same few spots. I faced a lot of challenges along the way. Many people told me to focus on my studies. They said cricket had no scope and that I was wasting my time. But I didn't listen. I didn't give up. I kept working hard, session after session, season after season," he said.The perseverance eventually paid off. Having emerged through Rajasthan's domestic structure, Suthar has built an impressive first-class résumé, collecting 129 wickets in 29 matches. He has also represented his state in 25 List-A fixtures and 29 T20 matches.Suthar revealed that strong performances in domestic cricket and for India A had given him confidence that an international opportunity was approaching."I had a great domestic season. I performed well for India A too. My name was being discussed, and I knew the call could come anytime. It was a waiting game, but I stayed patient. I made my IPL debut in 2024 with Gujarat Titans. I played only one game that season. I didn't get a chance to play in 2025, but I played four games in 2026, and it felt good to be back on the field."Now, with an India cap beside his name, Suthar believes years of dedication and sacrifice have finally been rewarded."Now, all the hard work in domestic cricket and for India A has paid off. I am in the playing XI for the Afghanistan Test, making my international debut. It is a dream come true. All the sacrifices have finally paid off. I feel proud, grateful, and ready to give my best for the country," he added.The Rajasthan spinner also spoke about the cricketers who shaped his ambitions. While his all-round game has drawn praise from experts, Suthar revealed that two Indian greats have been his biggest inspirations throughout his journey."Yuvraj Singh is my favourite cricketer. I also really admire R Ashwin. The way they bowled, the variety they had in their bowling, and how they adapted to Test cricket, ODIs, and T20s, that inspires me a lot. They are my role models," Suthar said.