Manav calls Test debut the ‘best feeling’ of his life after receiving cap from Kuldeep Yadav

India’s newest Test cricketer, Manav Suthar, said he was overwhelmed with emotion after making his red-ball debut against Afghanistan in Mullanpur, describing it as the greatest moment of his cricketing journey so far.

Suthar was handed his maiden Test cap ahead of the one-off Test after India chose him over fellow spinner Harsh Dubey. The left-arm spinner received the cap from senior India spinner Kuldeep Yadav, a moment he said made the occasion even more special.

Advertisement

“I can’t even express these emotions in words. To be honest, it’s the best feeling of my life so far. A Test cap is a dream for every cricketer. So it gave me a lot of motivation, and receiving this cap from a legend like Kuldeep (Yadav) bhai, who has served Team India for so long, makes me so grateful that I received this cap,” Suthar said in a video shared by the BCCI.

Suthar, who was part of the Gujarat Titans setup in IPL 2026 under India Test captain Shubman Gill, became India’s 319th Test player.

While presenting the cap, Kuldeep Yadav welcomed the youngster to the Indian dressing room and backed him to enjoy a long career in Test cricket.

“Cap number 319, Manav Suthar. Firstly, congratulations on making your Test debut for India, and it’s my privilege to present you with the cap. This is a very special moment in your cricket journey, and we wish you all the very best. We hope you have a long and successful Test career.

“As a fellow spinner, I know it’s a big stage, but nothing changes, trust your skill, back yourself, and keep spinning the ball the way you want, and welcome to the family, man,” Kuldeep said.