Following a decisive 165-run victory against Sri Lanka during the opening Test at Galle, Indian skipper Shubman Gill commended the match-winning performance of spinner Manav Suthar. The left-arm spinner anchored India's bowling attack with a breakthrough 10-wicket match haul. Gill expressed high confidence in Suthar's potential, highlighting his consistent precision since his June debut against Afghanistan, where he claimed seven wickets, and noting that the record-breaking young bowler possesses the qualities needed for a long international career.
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Shubman Gill lavishes praise on Manav Suthar
Equally pivotal to the team's success was Padikkal, whose first-innings century provided India with a commanding foundation. Gill emphasized the significance of turning a basic hundred into a massive total, pointing out that Padikkal's ability to capitalise on his start effectively put the team out of reach. His commanding play against the Sri Lankan spinners across both innings ensured India maintained total control throughout the match.
“Suthar looks like a promising guy and someone who can play for India for a very long time,” Gill said after India's win over Sri Lanka.
"Padikkal was magnificent to watch. It is important to get hundreds; but even after he got that, how he carried on and got a big one for us," he added.
Suthar's 10-wicket haul breaks Sri Lanka's back
Suthar dismantled the host nation with a remarkable 10-wicket match performance in just his second international outing. After laying the groundwork with four scalps in the first innings, Suthar proved relentless on the final day, returning second-innings figures of 6-55 to wrap up Sri Lanka’s side for 206 shortly after lunch.
Chasing a formidable target of 372 runs, the Sri Lankan batting lineup capitulated under pressure due to a lack of application. Outside of Sonal Dinusha, who provided the lone resistance by top-scoring for the hosts in both innings—Sri Lanka had no answers for India's disciplined bowling attack.
Although the recent triumph bolstered India's points percentage from 48.14 to 53.33 percent in the WTC 2025-2027 points table, Gill's brigade remains fixed in fifth position. Nevertheless, the victory provides a vital boost, keeping their ambitions of securing a spot in the final firmly within reach. Sri Lanka holds sixth place with a 33.33 percent win rate following the defeat. Meanwhile, Australia continues to dominate the top of the standings with an impressive 77.78 percent, retaining their comfortable lead despite a recent set-back against Bangladesh on home soil.