2 months ago
Former England captain Michael Atherton has revealed why he joined a group of 21 former international cricketers in calling on Pakistani authorities to ensure imprisoned former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan receives proper medical treatment.
Imran has been in prison since 2023 after being convicted in corruption cases, charges he has vehemently denied. Concerns over his health have grown in recent months, with reports earlier this year claiming that he had lost sight in one eye.
The reports prompted former cricketers to appeal to the authorities for his medical care. Last week, 21 former international players again wrote to the authorities after Imran was reportedly taken to a hospital following an order from the country's top court, but was allegedly not properly examined.
Atherton, speaking on a Sky Sports cricket podcast alongside former England captain Nasser Hussain, said the appeal was not simply about ensuring medical treatment for Imran. He also expressed concern over what he described as an attempt to erase the former Pakistan leader from public life.
"Nass [Nasser Hussain] and I were among 21 former captains who sent a second letter yesterday, a humanitarian appeal for Imran Khan to get the requisite level of treatment. But I suppose the basic theme was the way the state has tried to airbrush Imran almost out of existence, which is increasingly difficult to do in a social media age," Atherton said on a Sky Sports cricket podcast in the company of Hussain.
The group included several prominent former cricketers from across the cricketing world. Former India captains Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar were also among those who signed the appeal.
The involvement of the three Indian cricketers was particularly notable given the political tensions between India and Pakistan and Imran's own history as Pakistan's prime minister.
Kapil explained why he felt compelled to support his former cricketing rival and friend, while also acknowledging that Pakistani cricketers could be in a difficult position if they spoke publicly.
"I don't blame Pakistani cricketers for not speaking up. They have to live there. But I would like to support my friend, whom we admired and played with," Kapil said.
The former India captain stressed that the appeal was not about intervening in Pakistan's legal process but about ensuring basic care and dignity for a prisoner.
"We don't know the law of the country, that's fine. But humility and simple facilities should be given to a prisoner, whoever he may be. And he was a former prime minister of the country and a top cricketer.
"We want him to get the best treatment, [that's] what we are asking for. We are not asking for anything else, we are not asking for any replies, we are requesting," the former India captain added.
Imran led Pakistan to their only men's ODI World Cup ***** le in 1992 and was considered one of the finest all-rounders the game has ever s
Imran has been in prison since 2023 after being convicted in corruption cases, charges he has vehemently denied. Concerns over his health have grown in recent months, with reports earlier this year claiming that he had lost sight in one eye.
The reports prompted former cricketers to appeal to the authorities for his medical care. Last week, 21 former international players again wrote to the authorities after Imran was reportedly taken to a hospital following an order from the country's top court, but was allegedly not properly examined.
Atherton, speaking on a Sky Sports cricket podcast alongside former England captain Nasser Hussain, said the appeal was not simply about ensuring medical treatment for Imran. He also expressed concern over what he described as an attempt to erase the former Pakistan leader from public life.
"Nass [Nasser Hussain] and I were among 21 former captains who sent a second letter yesterday, a humanitarian appeal for Imran Khan to get the requisite level of treatment. But I suppose the basic theme was the way the state has tried to airbrush Imran almost out of existence, which is increasingly difficult to do in a social media age," Atherton said on a Sky Sports cricket podcast in the company of Hussain.
The group included several prominent former cricketers from across the cricketing world. Former India captains Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar were also among those who signed the appeal.
The involvement of the three Indian cricketers was particularly notable given the political tensions between India and Pakistan and Imran's own history as Pakistan's prime minister.
Kapil explained why he felt compelled to support his former cricketing rival and friend, while also acknowledging that Pakistani cricketers could be in a difficult position if they spoke publicly.
"I don't blame Pakistani cricketers for not speaking up. They have to live there. But I would like to support my friend, whom we admired and played with," Kapil said.
The former India captain stressed that the appeal was not about intervening in Pakistan's legal process but about ensuring basic care and dignity for a prisoner.
"We don't know the law of the country, that's fine. But humility and simple facilities should be given to a prisoner, whoever he may be. And he was a former prime minister of the country and a top cricketer.
"We want him to get the best treatment, [that's] what we are asking for. We are not asking for anything else, we are not asking for any replies, we are requesting," the former India captain added.
Imran led Pakistan to their only men's ODI World Cup ***** le in 1992 and was considered one of the finest all-rounders the game has ever s
2 months ago
NEW DELHI: Former India fielding coach T Dilip has revealed what made Virat Kohli stand apart on the field, even at this stage of his career, describing the star batter's intensity as a quality that continues to push everyone around him to raise their standards.
Reflecting on Kohli's influence during his five-year stint with the Indian team, Dilip said there was little difference between the former captain's approach during training and in matches — a trait that had a direct impact on his teammates.
"When it comes to Virat Kohli, intensity is non-negotiable. You have seen in power play how he is at your batsman at covers or short mid wicket with his reflexes, with his dives, with his stops. Even in the last series he was putting those dives and sharp at you all the time," Dilip said in a video shared by Star Sports.
What impressed him most, however, was that Kohli's intensity was not limited to moments when the ball came his way.
"But what impressed me most is not the actions what he does when the ball is at him but also when the ball is not at him. You will see him running towards the non-striker and to take that throw and throwing back to the wicket keeper," Dilip explained.
Dilip also highlighted Kohli's willingness to put himself in demanding fielding positions even late in an innings.
"Even at this juncture of his career, even today he goes to long on to long on in last overs and he is the first one to run out. And that's a fabulous thing to do as a team," he said.
According to Dilip, Kohli's biggest contribution was the effect his approach had on the players around him.
"The intensity is always contagious when he is around. With Virat Kohli one thing you always see is there is not much difference between him in a practice session or a match. And that's very, very important because it's just not Virat Kohli who's fielding. There are five other players who are fielding with him who have stretched their limits when they are doing with Virat Kohli. That is the influence he has on the group actually."
Dilip, who signed off as India's fielding coach early in this month after a memorable five-year tenure, also picked India's 2024 T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados as his most cherished moment with the team.
"If I have to go back to my best moment, I think Barbados 2024. The silence for few seconds before it broke. I think in that silence I could sense the amount of hard work the boys have put in that four years. And I'll always keep that frame in my mind," he said.
Dilip also took pride in how the fielding medal ceremony, introduced during the 2023 ODI World Cup, changed the team's attitude towards fielding. Rather than rewarding only spectacular catches, the ceremony recognised contributions across the field.
"What I thought was to recognize the impact overall as a fielder than just a spectacular catch. But what it brought in is then all the 11 players on the field that we may not be in the hot spot, but a little co
Reflecting on Kohli's influence during his five-year stint with the Indian team, Dilip said there was little difference between the former captain's approach during training and in matches — a trait that had a direct impact on his teammates.
"When it comes to Virat Kohli, intensity is non-negotiable. You have seen in power play how he is at your batsman at covers or short mid wicket with his reflexes, with his dives, with his stops. Even in the last series he was putting those dives and sharp at you all the time," Dilip said in a video shared by Star Sports.
What impressed him most, however, was that Kohli's intensity was not limited to moments when the ball came his way.
"But what impressed me most is not the actions what he does when the ball is at him but also when the ball is not at him. You will see him running towards the non-striker and to take that throw and throwing back to the wicket keeper," Dilip explained.
Dilip also highlighted Kohli's willingness to put himself in demanding fielding positions even late in an innings.
"Even at this juncture of his career, even today he goes to long on to long on in last overs and he is the first one to run out. And that's a fabulous thing to do as a team," he said.
According to Dilip, Kohli's biggest contribution was the effect his approach had on the players around him.
"The intensity is always contagious when he is around. With Virat Kohli one thing you always see is there is not much difference between him in a practice session or a match. And that's very, very important because it's just not Virat Kohli who's fielding. There are five other players who are fielding with him who have stretched their limits when they are doing with Virat Kohli. That is the influence he has on the group actually."
Dilip, who signed off as India's fielding coach early in this month after a memorable five-year tenure, also picked India's 2024 T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados as his most cherished moment with the team.
"If I have to go back to my best moment, I think Barbados 2024. The silence for few seconds before it broke. I think in that silence I could sense the amount of hard work the boys have put in that four years. And I'll always keep that frame in my mind," he said.
Dilip also took pride in how the fielding medal ceremony, introduced during the 2023 ODI World Cup, changed the team's attitude towards fielding. Rather than rewarding only spectacular catches, the ceremony recognised contributions across the field.
"What I thought was to recognize the impact overall as a fielder than just a spectacular catch. But what it brought in is then all the 11 players on the field that we may not be in the hot spot, but a little co
2 months ago
Former India captain Rohit Sharma paid tribute to T Dilip after the former India fielding coach was replaced by Subhadeep Ghosh, thanking him for his work with the team over the last five years.
Taking to Instagram Stories, Rohit wrote: "You are a legend, Dilip garu. You created magic within the group and [you are] a behind the scenes workhorse. Best wishes ahead."
Dilip worked as India's men's fielding coach under both Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir. He first joined the support staff in 2021 and served until the end of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He returned for a second stint during India's Test tour of England in 2025 on a one-year contract but was not retained after it ended.
During his time with the Indian team, India won the T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026, along with the 2025 Champions Trophy.
One of Dilip's most recognised ideas was the 'Best Fielder of the Match' medal, introduced during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The post-match fielding medal ceremony became popular among fans because of the creative ways in which the winner was announced.
The initiative was aimed at building a stronger fielding culture within the team and encouraging players to take more risks and improve their athleticism in the field. Players such as KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were among the medal winners during the ceremony's run.
After his departure, Dilip shared a farewell message on Instagram, thanking the team and reflecting on his journey.
"Five years. It is difficult to find the right words for a journey that has meant so much. When I first walked into this setup, I came in with one simple intention, to give everything I had every single day. Fielding has always been my way of contributing to the game I love, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in this team's journey."
He also said the fielding medal ceremony would remain one of his favourite memories.
"The fielding medal will always hold a very special place in my heart. Seeing the excitement it created in the dressing room, the smiles it brought and the value the players attached to it are memories I'll carry with me forever."
#dilip
Taking to Instagram Stories, Rohit wrote: "You are a legend, Dilip garu. You created magic within the group and [you are] a behind the scenes workhorse. Best wishes ahead."
Dilip worked as India's men's fielding coach under both Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir. He first joined the support staff in 2021 and served until the end of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He returned for a second stint during India's Test tour of England in 2025 on a one-year contract but was not retained after it ended.
During his time with the Indian team, India won the T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026, along with the 2025 Champions Trophy.
One of Dilip's most recognised ideas was the 'Best Fielder of the Match' medal, introduced during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The post-match fielding medal ceremony became popular among fans because of the creative ways in which the winner was announced.
The initiative was aimed at building a stronger fielding culture within the team and encouraging players to take more risks and improve their athleticism in the field. Players such as KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were among the medal winners during the ceremony's run.
After his departure, Dilip shared a farewell message on Instagram, thanking the team and reflecting on his journey.
"Five years. It is difficult to find the right words for a journey that has meant so much. When I first walked into this setup, I came in with one simple intention, to give everything I had every single day. Fielding has always been my way of contributing to the game I love, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in this team's journey."
He also said the fielding medal ceremony would remain one of his favourite memories.
"The fielding medal will always hold a very special place in my heart. Seeing the excitement it created in the dressing room, the smiles it brought and the value the players attached to it are memories I'll carry with me forever."
#dilip
3 months ago
MUMBAI: Ryan ten Doeschate has stepped down as India's men's ***** istant coach, bringing an end to his two-year stint with the national team, while Subhadeep Ghosh will be India's new fielding coach after T Dilip's contract came to an end and was not renewed, TOI has learnt.
Ten Doeschate and Dilip's final ***** ignment was India's white-ball tour of England. Both will, thus, not travel with Team India for their two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in August, while it will be the first international ***** ignment for Subhadeep, who has been the fielding coach of India A teams in the past.
During India's England tour, Ten Doeschate informed the BCCI of his decision to leave, despite being offered an extension until 2027 by the board. Although the BCCI was keen to retain him, the former Netherlands all-rounder declined the offer, citing personal reasons. With a young family, Ten Doeschate opted to step away from the demands of international cricket and its relentless travel schedule.
Meanwhile, fielding coach T Dilip is parting ways with the national team following the completion of his tenure. He will not travel with the squad for the upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka.
Ten Doeschate joined the Indian coaching setup in July 2024 after former India opener Gautam Gambhir succeeded Rahul Dravid as the head coach following India's T20 World Cup triumph. Having worked closely with Gambhir during their successful stint at Kolkata Knight Riders, the former Netherlands all-rounder was brought into the national setup by Gambhir alongside bowling coach Morne Morkel.
During Ten Doeschate's stint, India won the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup in 2025 and successfully defended the 2026 T20 World Cup, although the Test side endured a difficult period, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia before suffering series defeats against New Zealand (3-0) and South Africa (2-0) at home.
#doeschate #India #Gambhir
Ten Doeschate and Dilip's final ***** ignment was India's white-ball tour of England. Both will, thus, not travel with Team India for their two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in August, while it will be the first international ***** ignment for Subhadeep, who has been the fielding coach of India A teams in the past.
During India's England tour, Ten Doeschate informed the BCCI of his decision to leave, despite being offered an extension until 2027 by the board. Although the BCCI was keen to retain him, the former Netherlands all-rounder declined the offer, citing personal reasons. With a young family, Ten Doeschate opted to step away from the demands of international cricket and its relentless travel schedule.
Meanwhile, fielding coach T Dilip is parting ways with the national team following the completion of his tenure. He will not travel with the squad for the upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka.
Ten Doeschate joined the Indian coaching setup in July 2024 after former India opener Gautam Gambhir succeeded Rahul Dravid as the head coach following India's T20 World Cup triumph. Having worked closely with Gambhir during their successful stint at Kolkata Knight Riders, the former Netherlands all-rounder was brought into the national setup by Gambhir alongside bowling coach Morne Morkel.
During Ten Doeschate's stint, India won the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup in 2025 and successfully defended the 2026 T20 World Cup, although the Test side endured a difficult period, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia before suffering series defeats against New Zealand (3-0) and South Africa (2-0) at home.
#doeschate #India #Gambhir
3 months ago
New Delhi: The Indian cricket board (BCCI) may have to work overtime to get the support staff for the Indian team in order after the conclusion of the ongoing England tour. TOI understands that ***** istant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fast bowling coach Morne Morkel are contemplating moving on from their respective roles once their contracts expire after the ODI series in England this month.
"Doeschate isn't very sure of continuing with this job. He has conveyed his problems with travelling with the team throughout the year. Morkel is still weighing his options. The board is discussing the matter with the two coaches and will try to see if things can be sorted out," a BCCI source told TOI.
The Indian team is due to leave for Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in the first week of Aug. Cricket head at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) VVS Laxman will take his CoE coaching staff with him for India's three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe in the last week of July.
Sources said that Doeschate may be in talks with an IPL franchise, while Morkel hasn't said anything firmly yet. Head coach Gautam Gambhir had handpicked these two coaches when he took charge in July 2024. The BCCI has always endorsed support staff coming through its coaching programme at the CoE. Last year, Abhishek Nayar was replaced by Sitanshu Kotak as batting coach.
If things aren't resolved with Doeschate and Morkel, the BCCI may be forced to send Lakshmipathy Balaji, who was recently appointed as the fast bowling coach at the CoE, to Sri Lanka.
Fielding coach under fire
TOI has also learnt that fielding coach T Dilip is under pressure to save his job. The board is not happy with the team's deteriorating fielding standards. Dilip got a reprieve last year after being sacked along with Nayar.
"Doeschate isn't very sure of continuing with this job. He has conveyed his problems with travelling with the team throughout the year. Morkel is still weighing his options. The board is discussing the matter with the two coaches and will try to see if things can be sorted out," a BCCI source told TOI.
The Indian team is due to leave for Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in the first week of Aug. Cricket head at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) VVS Laxman will take his CoE coaching staff with him for India's three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe in the last week of July.
Sources said that Doeschate may be in talks with an IPL franchise, while Morkel hasn't said anything firmly yet. Head coach Gautam Gambhir had handpicked these two coaches when he took charge in July 2024. The BCCI has always endorsed support staff coming through its coaching programme at the CoE. Last year, Abhishek Nayar was replaced by Sitanshu Kotak as batting coach.
If things aren't resolved with Doeschate and Morkel, the BCCI may be forced to send Lakshmipathy Balaji, who was recently appointed as the fast bowling coach at the CoE, to Sri Lanka.
Fielding coach under fire
TOI has also learnt that fielding coach T Dilip is under pressure to save his job. The board is not happy with the team's deteriorating fielding standards. Dilip got a reprieve last year after being sacked along with Nayar.
4 months ago
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has backed teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to enjoy a bright international future but believes the youngster should take inspiration from Sachin Tendulkar's discipline, focus and mental strength as he prepares for the biggest stage.
Sooryavanshi, 15, is on the verge of creating history during India's ongoing T20I series against Ireland. If he makes his international debut over the next couple of weeks, the left-handed batter will become the youngest player to represent India in men's cricket, surpassing Tendulkar's long-standing record. The batting icon made his debut against Pakistan in 1989 at the age of 16, while Sooryavanshi is in line to achieve the milestone a year earlier.
There was considerable anticipation around the teenager's debut in the opening T20I in Belfast on Friday. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shreyas Iyer retained the T20 World Cup-winning opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, leaving Sooryavanshi on the bench.
The comparisons with Tendulkar have only intensified since Sooryavanshi's remarkable IPL 2026 campaign, where he amassed more than 700 runs for the Rajasthan Royals. While acknowledging the excitement surrounding the youngster, Vengsarkar urged him to follow the qualities that made Tendulkar a legend of the game.
"When I watched Sachin Tendulkar play, he looked mentally mature for his age. He did extremely well in inter-school tournaments in Mumbai, besides club cricket, where he scored consistently," Vengsarkar told PTI.
“He was mentally prepared to play a higher level of cricket, so that is how we picked him. He was so disciplined, passionate, and focused, and that is a great example for youngsters like Vaibhav to emulate,” he added.
Although Sooryavanshi is still waiting for his maiden international appearance, Vengsarkar believes it is only a matter of time before the teenager gets his opportunity and expects him to make the most of it.
"I am sure he will get the opportunity, and once he gets it, he will grab it with both hands because he is a very good player. He is just unbelievable," Vengsarkar said.
“He has tremendous potential. Some of the shots he plays are unreal. His batsmanship is completely different. He can clear the ground with his bat swing and hand-eye coordination. In T20 format, he has been amazing,” he added.
When asked whether Sooryavanshi possesses the qualities to become a successful Test cricketer, Vengsarkar chose to remain cautious, pointing out that the youngster has largely been judged on his exploits in the shortest format.
“It's very difficult to say because he is currently in the T20 format. I have not seen him play in a longer format,” he said.
“But I'm sure he will do well in that, once picked. We will have to wait and see how he plays in the longer format, which is very important,” Vengsarkar added.
Sooryavanshi, 15, is on the verge of creating history during India's ongoing T20I series against Ireland. If he makes his international debut over the next couple of weeks, the left-handed batter will become the youngest player to represent India in men's cricket, surpassing Tendulkar's long-standing record. The batting icon made his debut against Pakistan in 1989 at the age of 16, while Sooryavanshi is in line to achieve the milestone a year earlier.
There was considerable anticipation around the teenager's debut in the opening T20I in Belfast on Friday. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shreyas Iyer retained the T20 World Cup-winning opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, leaving Sooryavanshi on the bench.
The comparisons with Tendulkar have only intensified since Sooryavanshi's remarkable IPL 2026 campaign, where he amassed more than 700 runs for the Rajasthan Royals. While acknowledging the excitement surrounding the youngster, Vengsarkar urged him to follow the qualities that made Tendulkar a legend of the game.
"When I watched Sachin Tendulkar play, he looked mentally mature for his age. He did extremely well in inter-school tournaments in Mumbai, besides club cricket, where he scored consistently," Vengsarkar told PTI.
“He was mentally prepared to play a higher level of cricket, so that is how we picked him. He was so disciplined, passionate, and focused, and that is a great example for youngsters like Vaibhav to emulate,” he added.
Although Sooryavanshi is still waiting for his maiden international appearance, Vengsarkar believes it is only a matter of time before the teenager gets his opportunity and expects him to make the most of it.
"I am sure he will get the opportunity, and once he gets it, he will grab it with both hands because he is a very good player. He is just unbelievable," Vengsarkar said.
“He has tremendous potential. Some of the shots he plays are unreal. His batsmanship is completely different. He can clear the ground with his bat swing and hand-eye coordination. In T20 format, he has been amazing,” he added.
When asked whether Sooryavanshi possesses the qualities to become a successful Test cricketer, Vengsarkar chose to remain cautious, pointing out that the youngster has largely been judged on his exploits in the shortest format.
“It's very difficult to say because he is currently in the T20 format. I have not seen him play in a longer format,” he said.
“But I'm sure he will do well in that, once picked. We will have to wait and see how he plays in the longer format, which is very important,” Vengsarkar added.
4 months ago
NEW DELHI: Manav Suthar announced his arrival on the Test stage in stunning fashion, producing a six-wicket haul against Afghanistan in his maiden appearance for India at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.
The left-arm spinner finished with exceptional figures of 6/33 from 22 overs as Afghanistan were bowled out for 152 in response to India's imposing first-innings total of 564/8 declared.
Suthar's spell not only put India firmly in control of the one-off Test but also earned him a place in the record books.
The 23-year-old registered the best bowling figures in an innings on Test debut by an Indian in 38 years.
The last Indian to better that mark in his debut Test innings was Narendra Hirwani, who produced a legendary performance against the West Indies in Chennai in 1988, claiming 8/61 and later finishing the match with 16 wickets.
Suthar also joined an exclusive club of Indian bowlers to register six-wicket hauls on Test debut. Before him, only Hirwani, Ravichandran Ashwin, Dilip Doshi and Syed Abid Ali had achieved the feat in an innings during their first Test appearances.
Furthermore, Suthar became the 10th Indian (seventh among spinners) to pick a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
What made Suthar's effort particularly impressive was the control he displayed throughout a long spell. He conceded just 33 runs in 22 overs, including 10 maidens, while maintaining an outstanding economy rate of 1.50. His victims included Abdul Malik, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Afsar Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Mohammad Saleem Safi.
After picking up three wickets on the second day, Suthar returned on Day 3 to complete the milestone haul. His ability to generate drift, extract turn and vary his pace consistently troubled Afghanistan's batting line-up.
ALSO READ: 'Rajasthan ka Jadeja': The making of Manav Suthar, India's newest left-arm spin hope
While Prasidh Krishna chipped in with three wickets, it was Suthar who stole the spotlight with a memorable debut performance.
With Ravindra Jadeja entering the latter stages of his career, India's selectors will be encouraged by the emergence of another promising left-arm spinning option in the red-ball format.
For Suthar, it was a dream beginning to what could be a long international journey.
131582496
The left-arm spinner finished with exceptional figures of 6/33 from 22 overs as Afghanistan were bowled out for 152 in response to India's imposing first-innings total of 564/8 declared.
Suthar's spell not only put India firmly in control of the one-off Test but also earned him a place in the record books.
The 23-year-old registered the best bowling figures in an innings on Test debut by an Indian in 38 years.
The last Indian to better that mark in his debut Test innings was Narendra Hirwani, who produced a legendary performance against the West Indies in Chennai in 1988, claiming 8/61 and later finishing the match with 16 wickets.
Suthar also joined an exclusive club of Indian bowlers to register six-wicket hauls on Test debut. Before him, only Hirwani, Ravichandran Ashwin, Dilip Doshi and Syed Abid Ali had achieved the feat in an innings during their first Test appearances.
Furthermore, Suthar became the 10th Indian (seventh among spinners) to pick a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
What made Suthar's effort particularly impressive was the control he displayed throughout a long spell. He conceded just 33 runs in 22 overs, including 10 maidens, while maintaining an outstanding economy rate of 1.50. His victims included Abdul Malik, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Afsar Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Mohammad Saleem Safi.
After picking up three wickets on the second day, Suthar returned on Day 3 to complete the milestone haul. His ability to generate drift, extract turn and vary his pace consistently troubled Afghanistan's batting line-up.
ALSO READ: 'Rajasthan ka Jadeja': The making of Manav Suthar, India's newest left-arm spin hope
While Prasidh Krishna chipped in with three wickets, it was Suthar who stole the spotlight with a memorable debut performance.
With Ravindra Jadeja entering the latter stages of his career, India's selectors will be encouraged by the emergence of another promising left-arm spinning option in the red-ball format.
For Suthar, it was a dream beginning to what could be a long international journey.
131582496
