Following their first innings collapse for 152, bolstered by Suthar’s outstanding 6/33, Afghanistan deteriorated further in their second innings, getting dismissed for just 112 in 35.5 overs early on the third day, resulting in India’s largest innings win.
Washington Sundar (4/36) was outstanding in the second innings, while Kuldeep Yadav (3/30) added to the Afghan troubles with a few easy wickets.
In 2018, India had beaten Afghanistan by an innings and 260 runs, but this time, the visitors can take some comfort in extending the match into the third day.
The spotlight was firmly on Suthar, a left-arm orthodox spinner from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan.
He became the 10th Indian bowler to secure a five-wicket haul on debut, finishing with an impressive total of seven wickets (6/33 and 1/29). More importantly, he addressed the pressing question in Indian cricket: “Who will succeed Ravindra Jadeja when he hangs up his boots?”
Following the match against Afghanistan, Suthar demonstrated all the essential qualities needed to thrive at the highest level, with his greatest asset being his ability to consistently land the ball in the same area.
With his delivery speed and the revolutions he imparts, Suthar presents himself as a complete package.
While India has had bowlers who thrived on turning pitches, the 23-year-old has shown that he can be a match-winner on flatter surfaces by generating both turn and bounce.
With Ravichandran Ashwin already retired and Jadeja nearing the end of his Test career, Suthar’s emergence comes at an opportune moment.
He will face a tougher challenge in Sri Lanka, where the batting quality will be significantly higher, but the Indian management can consider gradually phasing out Jadeja by the conclusion of this World Test Championship cycle.
There isn’t much to highlight regarding Afghanistan’s batting performance, which was characterized by a lack of skill and experience.
The Indian spinners capitalized on some poor shot selections by the visiting batsmen throughout the second innings.
After a dismal score of 152, their reckless strokes led to their downfall once again in the second innings.
Left-handed opener Sediqullah Atal (42), signed by Delhi Capitals this year, fell on the last ball before tea while attempting to strike Washington against the turn, resulting in a simple catch to Mohammed Siraj at backward point.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (24) sought to smash his way out of trouble before Shubman Gill stationed Siraj at the long-on boundary, encouraging Kuldeep to entice him into an aerial shot.
This tactic paid off promptly as Gurbaz was caught at long-on.
A similar situation befell first-innings half-centurion Rahmat Shah (13), who attempted to loft Washington over mid-off but failed to clear the man of the hour, Suthar.
It was unfortunate that only around 500 spectators were present on Monday morning when the country’s newest spin sensation reached a remarkable milestone, becoming the 10th Indian to achieve a five-wicket haul on debut.
He is also the seventh spinner to attain this feat in his first Test.
His final first-innings stats of 22-10-33-6 showcased the relentless pressure he exerted on the inexperienced Afghan batsmen, none of whom appeared comfortable while facing him.
