India's young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar has created a remarkable piece of Test cricket history during the ongoing India vs Sri Lanka Test series.
Suthar became the first Indian spinner and only the second Indian cricketer to take a five-wicket haul in both his first home Test and first away Test. The achievement came on August 19, 2026, during his impressive performance against Sri Lanka.
Manav Suthar Equals 93-Year-Old Record
Suthar's achievement is particularly significant because it matches a record that has stood for 93 years.
By taking five wickets in both his first home and first away Tests, the young spinner has joined an elite group in Indian cricket history. He is only the second Indian player overall to accomplish the feat.
What makes the achievement even more notable is that Suthar is the first Indian spinner to do it.
Manav Suthar's Stunning Sri Lanka Test Performance
Suthar has made a strong impression in his first Test assignment against Sri Lanka.
Earlier in the match, the left-arm spinner had already shown his ability to trouble Sri Lankan batters with his flight, turn and consistency.
He also made an immediate impact on his Test debut by dismissing Dinesh Chandimal with his very first delivery.
His performance has given India another promising option in the spin department.
Suthar's First-Ball Test Wicket
One of the most memorable moments of Suthar's debut came with his very first ball in Test cricket.
The young spinner found a faint outside edge from experienced Sri Lankan batter Dinesh Chandimal, with Rishabh Pant taking the catch behind the stumps.
Taking a wicket with his first Test delivery provided Suthar with an immediate confidence boost.
Learning From Ravindra Jadeja
Suthar has also had the opportunity to bowl alongside experienced India spinner Ravindra Jadeja.
The youngster said there was plenty he could learn from Jadeja, particularly his ability to use the bowling crease and maintain consistency around the stumps.
For a young spinner beginning his Test career, playing alongside an experienced campaigner has provided valuable exposure.
How Suthar Prepared for Sri Lanka
Before the Sri Lanka series, Suthar spent 10 days training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
He worked with Kookaburra balls and trained in conditions designed to replicate what he would encounter in Sri Lanka.
Suthar explained that the preparation helped him develop a clear plan around bowling in the right areas and maintaining the appropriate line and length.
Why Manav Suthar's Record Is Significant
Five-wicket hauls are already significant achievements for Test bowlers.
Doing it in both a player's first home Test and first away Test is considerably rarer.
Suthar's record therefore stands out not only because of the wickets themselves but because of where and when those performances have come in his Test career.
His achievement now places him alongside a piece of Indian cricket history that had remained untouched for more than nine decades.
Manav Suthar's Rise in Indian Cricket
Suthar's performance against Sri Lanka has offered a glimpse of India's next generation of spin bowlers.
The 24-year-old has shown patience, discipline and the ability to bowl long spells while maintaining a consistent stump-to-stump line.
His performance could make him a player to watch as India's Test team continues to develop its next generation of bowlers.
The Bottom Line
Manav Suthar has scripted Indian Test cricket history by becoming the first Indian spinner and only the second Indian cricketer to take five-wicket hauls in both his first home and first away Tests.
The achievement equals a 93-year-old record and marks a major milestone in the young spinner's emerging Test career.
