How VVS Laxman's mentorship helped Manav Suthar rise to India's Test squad

Manav Suthar, a 24-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner from Rajasthan, went undrafted in the 2023 IPL auction despite a prolific domestic record of 39 wickets in six Ranji Trophy games. He later earned selections for the Duleep Trophy and India A, performing well in the ACC Men's Emerging Teams Asia Cup. When VVS Laxman assumed leadership of the National Cricket Academy in 2021, he took a personal interest in Suthar and alerted chief selector Chetan Sharma to watch him.

During a Ranji match in Jodhpur, Suthar scored an unbeaten 64 and claimed ten wickets, impressing the selector. This exposure contributed to his inclusion in the senior India side, where he took four wickets in the first innings and six in the second, leading India to a 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in Galle. Coaches credit his unique skill set and the early guidance from mentors like Rahul Dravid and his longtime coach Dheeraj Sharma.