For Manav Sathar, the moment he learned about his first India call-up was a moment he will always remember. The young left-arm spin bowling all-rounder revealed that it was his sister who first broke the life-changing news to him when his name came up in the Indian squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan.Suthar was included in India’s playing XI for the Test at Milanpur and earned his debut cap as a senior spinner. Kuldeep Yadav Before the match began, the 23-year-old, who represented the Gujarat Titans under the captaincy of Shibman Gill during IPL 2026, also became India’s first specialist spin bowling Test debutant since then. Akshar Patel Debut in 2021.Speaking to JioStar, Suthar recalled, “I was in my room when my sister called me. Maybe she was watching the squad announcement program. He told that my name came in the Indian team. I asked him if it was official. He said yes, it is official. She was the first to call me.”The news quickly spread through the family, causing an outpouring of emotions. “When I called, everyone got emotional. Dad, mom, everyone called me, they couldn’t believe it. I can’t put it into words. It’s the greatest feeling. You work hard for years, and then finally you get selected for India. It’s the best feeling. The best feeling of my life,” he said.Sattar also reflected on how cricket became an integral part of his life. Growing up in a cricket-loving family, he naturally gravitated towards the game watching matches with his family. What started as street cricket with friends eventually turned into a serious pursuit when he joined a cricket academy at the age of 10 or 11.“Cricket has always been a big part of my family. My father loves the game, and everyone in the house watches the matches regularly. As a youngster, I used to sit and watch with him. That’s where my love for cricket started, I started playing in the streets with my friends. These street games taught me the basics of how to hold the bat and how to bowl.”He credited coaches Dheeraj and Vinod for shaping his early development and pointed to his selection for it. RajasthanK’s under-14 side as a turning point that convinced him that cricket could become a profession.Despite his talent, Suther admits that the road to the top is fraught with uncertainty and doubt. Competing in India’s crowded cricket landscape meant that there were no guarantees, and many suggested that academics be preferred instead.“In a country like India, with such a large population, success in cricket is never easy. You never know what the future holds. I faced many challenges along the way. Many people asked me to focus on my studies. He said that there is no scope for cricket and I am wasting my time. But I didn’t hear. I didn’t give up. I kept working hard, session after session, season after season,” he said.Persistence eventually paid off. After emerging from Rajasthan’s domestic setup, Sothar has built an impressive first-class resume, picking up 129 wickets in 29 matches. He has also represented his state in 25 List-A fixtures and 29 T20 matches.Suther revealed that strong performances in domestic cricket and for India A gave him confidence that an international opportunity was imminent.“My domestic season went very well. I also did well for India A. My name was being talked about, and I knew the call could come anytime. It was a waiting game, but I was patient. I started the IPL in 2024 with Gujarat Titans. I only played one game this season. I didn’t get a chance to play in 2025, but I played four matches in 2026, and it’s good to be back on the field.”Now, with an Indian cap to his name, Suthar believes years of dedication and sacrifice have finally paid off.“Now, all the hard work has paid off in domestic cricket and for India A. I’m in the playing XI for the Afghanistan Test, making my international debut. It’s a dream come true. All the sacrifices have finally paid off. I feel proud, grateful and ready to give my best for the country.”The Rajasthan spinner also spoke about the cricketers who shaped his ambitions. While his all-round game has been praised by experts, Sothar revealed that two Indian greats have been his biggest inspirations during his journey.“Yuvraj Singh My favorite is cricketer. I also really admire R Ashwin. The way he bowled, the variety in his bowling, and how he adapted to Test cricket, ODIs and T20s, I am very impressed. They are my role models,” Suther said.
