Pujara questions Manav Suthar exclusion from New Zealand Tests
Cheteshwar Pujara says left-arm spinner Manav Suthar deserved a place in India's New Zealand Test squad for overseas experience ahead of the Australia series.
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara said Manav Suthar should have been included in India's 16-member squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand, even as the 17th man. The BCCI named Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav as spinners for the tour starting November 19. Pujara told Star Sports that Suthar had played enough Ranji Trophy and needed overseas exposure ahead of India's five-Test series against Australia later in the season.
Suthar made his Test debut in June 2026 and has taken 23 wickets in three matches, including 10 against Sri Lanka. Pujara noted that India tours New Zealand only once every five or six years and argued the spinner would gain valuable experience bowling in those conditions. He also expressed concern over the pace attack without Jasprit Bumrah, saying Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar would shoulder extra responsibility.
Pujara said the selectors appeared focused on building a squad for future series rather than adding an experienced domestic performer for the immediate tour. Suthar was instead assigned to the India A squad touring New Zealand separately.
CricHubb Take
Suthar's omission shows the selection panel is prioritising long-term squad building over immediate overseas exposure for a bowler who already has three Test caps.