'India have found a real gem in Manav Suthar': Keshav Maharaj's big words for star spinner ahead of IND vs SL 2nd Test

South African spin veteran Keshav Maharaj believes India has discovered a special talent in Manav Suthar, praising the newcomer as the rightful heir to the nation's legendary left-arm spin legacy. Despite only catching brief highlights of Suthar's recent dismantling of Sri Lanka in Galle, where the Rajasthan spinner bagged 10 wickets in the match to bring his career haul to 17 in just two Tests, Maharaj was instantly impressed by the youngster's early impact.

ALSO READ: Rahul Dravid backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to revive red-ball cricket, says 'All of us want to...'

Keshav Maharaj lavishes praise on Manav Suthar

Reflecting on the 23-year-old's stellar match figures of 4/71 and 6/55, the seasoned Proteas spinner—who boasts 218 Test scalps himself, noted that India has found a 'real gem' equipped to lead the attack when current stalwarts eventually step aside. He highlighted Suthar's remarkable control and subtle pace variations, while also acknowledging his successful domestic groundwork, including a stint in English county cricket with Warwickshire.

"The way he has bowled in this Test match, just judging from his figures (4/71 and 6/55), I think India have found a real gem in him to take over the baton one day when the legends of the game decide to call it a day," Maharaj told PTI.

The rise of franchise T20 leagues has gradually eroded the traditional art of left-arm orthodox bowling, favoring flat, defensive trajectories designed to restrict scoring rather than tempt mistakes. Amid this shift away from classical red-ball flight and turn, the emergence of a genuine long-form specialist like Manav Suthar is a refreshing exception to the modern trend.

For a veteran like Maharaj, watching a young spinner thrive through traditional craft brings genuine excitement. As one of the modern era's premier red-ball practitioners, the South African voiced his deep passion for the craft, welcoming Suthar's arrival into an increasingly exclusive fraternity of classic slow left-arm spinners.

Sri Lanka make big changes in squad for series-decider

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have made some big changed to their squad ahead of the do-or-die second Test against India in Colombo. Seeking an immediate turnaround for the match starting August 23, the selection panel has added batter Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige to the squad to fortify the team's depth.

ALSO READ: 'My job is to win trophies...': Gautam Gambhir hits back at critics over calls for his sacking

Both call-ups arrive on the back of compelling domestic form. Arachchige punched his ticket into the national setup after finishing as the standout run-getter in a recent series against India A, while the uncapped Mishara earned his spot through a string of dominant performances in local red-ball competition.
Sri Lanka's squad for second Test vs India:

Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.