IndiaThe dynamic home season reached new heights at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Face to face Afghanistan In the much-anticipated, one-off independent Test match, the Indian team delivered a clinical masterclass in red-ball cricket. The historic game that started on June 6, 2026 was an unforgettable landmark for Indian cricket, completely dominated by a spectacular debut bowling performance that blew the visitors away. It is led by a captain Shubman GillIndia outclassed Afghanistan in every department and wrapped up the competition in three days to record their biggest ever Test win.
Sunil Gavaskar welcomes debutant Manav Suthar after an impressive bowling display in the Mullanpur Test
The world of cricket has found its newest sensation in a young left-arm orthodox spinner Manav Suthar. Wearing his landmark 319 Test Caps for India, Suthar’s debut in the longest format of the game was so remarkable that he received glowing praise from none other than the batting legend. Sunil Gavaskar. The young spinner swept through the opposition line-up, taking seven wickets throughout the match highlighted by a sensational six-wicket haul in his first bowling innings.
Reflecting on the youngster’s dream debut via JioStar, Gavaskar emphasized that Suthar’s victories owed everything to textbook skills and superior control rather than fortune. He noted that the rookie has a rare, enviable gift for hitting his target consistently.
“People say the spin bowler is successful in India because he gets help from the pitch… But I would say take the pitch out of the equation against Afghanistan. Bowling is all about skill and control. And that’s exactly what this young man showed. Manav Suthar has a simple, repetitive action. This gives it great accuracy“, Gavaskar remarked.
The legendary opener further praised Suthar’s tactical maturity, noting that he nullified the Afghan order of batting with the help of take-off, landing and spatial awareness, rather than relying heavily on spin. Gavaskar concluded that Suthar’s ruthless spot bowling experience had proved him to be both extremely intelligent and accurate. This magical spell anchored India to an unforgettable victory by an innings and 300 runs.
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Suthar’s exceptional experience with the ball folds Afghanistan and ultimately leads India to a big win.
The foundation of India’s shock victory was built on just one mountainous first innings. India declared with a mammoth 564/8 after 127 overs, pushing ahead at a brisk 4.44 run rate. The batting attack was led by skipper Gill with centuries (126 off 177 balls) and KL Rahul (100 out of 165 balls). Explosive contributions Sai Sudharsan (81), Rishabh pants (81) and a handy tail-end from Suthar himself (28) pushed the target completely out of Afghanistan’s reach.
When Afghanistan came out to bat, they ran straight into the Sutar storm. In the first innings, Suthar produced a remarkably economical spell, recording figures of 6/33 over 22, including 10 maidens, working at a miserly economy of 1.50. He made important achievements by letting go of the key Abdul Malik (16), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (12) and battle Rehmat Shah (60) To bowl out Afghanistan for just 152 runs in 58.4 overs.
Applying consistency, India’s bowling unit pushed forward relentlessly. while Washington Sundar star went through the top order in the second innings with 4/36, while Suthar maintained the high pressure with figures of 1/29 from 10 overs. Kuldeep Yadav Afghanistan cleaned up the tail with 3/30 as they crumbled for just 112 runs in 35.5 overs. Suthar completed a dream debut match with combined match figures of 7/62, deserving of the Player of the Match trophy.
Also WATCH: Manav Suthar traps Rahmat Shah to complete five-wicket haul on Test debut – IND vs AFG
