Galle, August 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India debutant Manav Suthar said there was plenty to learn from senior spinner Ravindra Jadeja after the young left-arm spinner claimed four wickets to help India bowl Sri Lanka out for 284 on Day 3 of the first Test at the Galle International Stadium.
Suthar returned impressive figures of 4/76 from 21.4 overs, while Jadeja took 3/57 in 21 overs as India secured a commanding 178-run first-innings lead after posting 462. The pair shared seven wickets between them.
For Suthar, however, the biggest takeaway from the day was the opportunity to bowl alongside Jadeja and observe his methods.
“There are a lot of things that I can learn from him (Jadeja). He uses the (bowling) crease so well. His consistency while bowling at stumps is world-class,” Suthar said after play.
The 24-year-old said Jadeja’s ability to maintain a disciplined line regardless of the batter’s approach was something he wanted to develop in his own game.
“How long can one bowl on the stumps? Can you get a false shot? So there’s a lot to learn from him,” he added.
Suthar also studied Sri Lanka’s spinners during the opening two days and noted how they varied their pace to extract assistance from the Galle surface.
“They bowled well yesterday. They varied their pace, and I feel that on this wicket, the more consistent you are, the more purchase you get. So that’s what we were trying to do,” he said.
Suthar made an immediate impact on his Test debut, claiming a wicket with his first delivery by dismissing experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal.
“It’s a very good feeling to get a wicket on the first ball. It gives you lots of confidence throughout the game. I was also playing in the County cricket (for Warwickshire),” he said.
India’s strong bowling display has put the visitors firmly in control of the Galle Test, although Sri Lanka’s Sonal Dinusha hit a maiden Test century and Niroshan Dickwella made 80 to provide resistance.
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