‘Ravindra Jadeja will punch me, but he is on the wrong side of thirty’: Ex-India cricketer’s blunt take

Former India spinner Murali Kartik believes Manav Suthar has the qualities required to eventually take over from Ravindra Jadeja in India’s Test side.Jadeja and Suthar are both part of India’s squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, with the two left-arm spinners expected to feature in the playing XI for the opening Test in Galle later this week.With Jadeja now 37, Kartik feels India must already be looking at the next phase of their spin-bowling attack. He identified Suthar as a potential long-term option, particularly because of the youngster’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball.Suthar made his Test debut earlier this year and made an immediate impact, finishing with seven wickets, including a six-wicket haul against Afghanistan in Mullanpur.He also impressed in India’s recent three-day warm-up game against SLC XI, taking two wickets and contributing 45 runs. His first-innings score of 41 further underlined his all-round ability.Kartik, however, was keen to assess Suthar on his own merits rather than draw direct comparisons with Jadeja.“I think he is a very, very good bowler. Let’s not compare him with anybody. He is old-school; he has many things going very well for him. For me, I was jumping with joy when I was doing that game against Afghanistan, because I was calling that game, and for me to see somebody release the ball like that and have that kind of consistency and have that kind of skill,” Kartik told reporters in an interaction organised by Sony Sports Network.“After a very long time, we are seeing a bowler like that. Maybe for India, it has come at a good time,” he added.Kartik also highlighted the timing of Suthar’s emergence, given Jadeja’s career is approaching its final phase.“Ravindra Jadeja will punch me the next time he meets me, but at the end of the day, he is on the wrong side of thirty. He is in the twilight of his career, and we don’t know how much longer he will play. From that point of view, you are always looking at passing the baton,” Kartik added.Jadeja has already retired from Test cricket? no, he has already retired from Tests and is also out of India’s ODI plans, according to the provided details. Since the Champions Trophy 2025, he has played only six matches in the format and picked up just one wicket.With Suthar now in the Test setup and already having shown that he can contribute in both departments, Kartik believes India could have a promising option ready as the baton eventually changes hands.