India’s squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, announced on Tuesday, had the usual talking points – Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness and the backing for Gurnoor Brar as a pace prospect. But tucked away was a subplot that could offer a view into India’s next spin chapter: the inclusion of Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav.
Ravindra Jadeja remains India’s undisputed number one spinner, despite his age and recent absence from the Afghanistan series at home. The more pertinent question is who partners him if India play only two spinners in the playing XI. When Kuldeep debuted in 2017, he was earmarked as the spinner for the future. Yet, in nine years, he has played a mere 18 Tests.
The favourable spin-based conditions in Sri Lanka, however, could put him back in contention. So does the presence of left-handers in the top seven in Sri Lanka’s batting order. But largely in spin-friendly conditions, India have preferred to go with three options in the spin department as all of them barring Kuldeep happen to strengthen the batting as well.
Yet, if India opt for two spinners, the debate is likely to centre on whether they want Kuldeep’s attacking wrist-spin or the more classical left-arm orthodox control that Suthar offers. And even here there is another advantage for Kuldeep, who unlike Suthar offers a different variety, where he will turn the ball both ways.
Classical craft
Former India left-arm spinner Maninder Singh believes Suthar possessed the technical attributes required to succeed at the international level over the long term. “Very impressive. He has got a beautiful run up, lovely action, nice follow-through. And the best thing is, when the ball comes out of the hand of a spinner, the seam position tells you how hard he has worked,” Maninder told The Indian Express.
The observation about Suthar’s seam position is revealing. A clean, upright release helps a finger spinner generate dip, drift and consistent turn. The 23-year-old’s diagonal run-up from around the stumps allows his body to align naturally through the action.
Those attributes were seen during Suthar’s spell of 6/33 in his Test debut against Afghanistan at New Chandigarh in June. A well-set Rahmat Shah was deceived by drift and dip while attempting the sweep. The ball drifted in from around leg stump, dipped on him as he went down for the shot and crashed into middle and leg stump.
The control over flight has been built on consistent domestic success. In the Irani Cup last October, Suthar, playing for Rest of India, showcased it by dismissing Danish Malewar with a delivery that pitched on middle stump, turned sharply and took the outside edge – a classical left-arm spinner’s dismissal.
Three balls earlier, he showed the value of having subtle variations, getting a delivery to hold its line after pitching on middle and beat Dhruv Shorey to hit the middle stump.
India have produced outstanding wrist-spinners and off-spinners, but classical left-arm orthodox bowlers have been rare in the recent years.
Jadeja eventually evolved into a world-class left-arm spinner, but his success has often been built on pace, accuracy and relentless pressure. Suthar’s method is a little different: more flight, more drift and a greater willingness to give the ball air.
That is why the 23-year-old’s inclusion in the Test setup is noteworthy. Even if India do back Kuldeep, there is value in grooming a young left-arm spinner alongside someone like Jadeja and allowing him to learn from one of the best in the business. But playing only Suthar alongside Jadeja means, India will end up with similar variety, which they seldom prefer.
Confidence conundrum
For Kuldeep, the situation is more complicated. On paper, Sri Lankan conditions should suit him perfectly. Yet his selection does not seem to be in his hands.
“Sometimes your wicket-taking ability can go down if the team management is not showing confidence. I think he still has it in him. It’s just that if you keep him on the bench all the time and don’t give him chances to play, you don’t give him confidence,” Maninder said.
The former spinner argued that Kuldeep has actually improved aspects of his bowling. “He used to bowl a little slower through the air a couple of years ago, but he has worked hard on it. Good follow-through. Using his shoulder well. Using his body well. The only problem at the minute is that he needs confidence.”
The assessment reframes the debate: Kuldeep’s issue is not a decline in ability but a lack of consistent opportunities to rebuild confidence.
Which is why the Suthar-Kuldeep dynamic is so fascinating. They are not competing to do the same job. Kuldeep offers attacking wrist-spin and variety. Suthar gives control, drift and the possibility of operating in tandem with Jadeja.
For this series, experience still points toward Kuldeep as the stronger option as the second spinner. Yet Suthar’s continued presence ensures the conversation will not go away. As Jadeja moves into the latter stages of his career, India look to be exploring what their next left-arm spin chapter might look like.
Sri Lanka may not provide a definitive answer, but it could offer clues about whether India’s post-Jadeja future belongs to Kuldeep’s wrist-spin or Suthar’s orthodox craft.
Squad: Shubman Gill (C), KL Rahul (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain. (Washington Sundar is unavailable for the first Test).