No worries with Manav Suthar leaking runs, he is well prepared: India spin coach

Sairaj Bahutule backed Manav Suthar after Sri Lanka attacked him on day four in Colombo. Bahutule feels that Suthar is well prepared to tackle such situations and praised him for the way he bounced back.Suthar bounced back strongly against Sri Lanka in Colombo (Courtesy: PTI)India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule sees no issues with Manav Suthar leaking runs during Day 4 of the Colombo Test against Sri Lanka. Suthar has enjoyed a flying start to his Test career, picking up 22 wickets from the three matches he has played.However, Wednesday, August 26 was a rough day for him as he conceded close to five an over as the Sri Lankan batters targeted the left-arm spinner. Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva took on Suthar, hitting him for four sixes as the spinner went wicketless in his opening 12-over spell, conceding 65 runs.Bahutule, while speaking at the press conference after Day 4, said it will be a great learning experience for Suthar and that he is well prepared to tackle it."It is an experience for him. This is just his third Test match. He is going to face different situations, as he is going to play along and he is well prepared for that, to be very honest. He knew that they were going to charge at him. He created those opportunities, but it didn't go in his favour in that period," said Bahutule. SUTHAR IS A LEARNING CRICKETERThe 25-year-old, however, showed impressive resilience after the early punishment, returning for a second spell in which he picked up two wickets and gave away only 15 runs in six overs.His dismissals of Sooriyabandara and De Silva proved pivotal, swinging the momentum firmly India's way during the final session of the day. Bahutule was particularly impressed by Suthar's resolve and his ability to bounce back after a difficult start."He is definitely a learning cricketer. What I like about him is his resilience. It is fabulous. Regardless of the situation, whenever you throw the ball to him, he will give that 100 percent. He is very composed. He understands what is expected of him."The Lankan batters also did well against him today. In fact, they did play some good shots. But I am sure, again, the learnings from this game, he will take them forward. He will be better equipped when the same situation arises," he said.Sri Lanka have a lead of 16 runs after being forced to follow-on by India. But they only have four wickets left and Suthar will have a role to play in helping the visitors set up an easy target to win the second Test.- EndsPublished On: Aug 26, 2026 20:01 IST