Gujarat Titans Sign Rising Talent Manav from Sriganganagar Cricket Academy: Father’s Smart Investment Pays Off with IPL Selection
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has witnessed player auctions, and this time, Rajasthan resident Manav Suthar has become a part of the league. The left-arm spinner from Shriganganagar, Rajasthan, who also impressed Pakistani players during the Emerging Asia Cup 2023 by taking three wickets against Pakistan A, has been purchased by Gujarat Titans (GT) for INR 20 lakhs. This marks the first instance in the 17-year history of the IPL where a player from Rajasthan faces an overseas auction.
Currently Shining Beyond India
Cricketer Manav Suthar, a resident of Shriganganagar district, practices near Jain College in his hometown. He is currently playing for India A against the South African team. The team had gone to his home, where Manav interacted with his parents and other family members.
Player’s mother, Sushila Suthar, expressed joy upon hearing Manav’s live announcement of being selected on December 19. The news brought happiness to Gujarat Titans’ team. Manav even made phone calls to his family.
Started Playing Cricket in Jaipur at the Age of 12
Manav’s father, Jagdish Suthar, revealed that Manav developed an interest in playing cricket since childhood. He got selected in the Under-14 team at the age of 12 and went alone to Jaipur. Initially, his parents were worried, but they supported his passion. Even as a bus driver and conductor, his contact number was used.
Jagdish mentioned that on reaching Jaipur, he requested a rickshaw to drop Manav off at the academy. He told Manav that if he wanted to continue playing, he had to manage his expenses. Now, seeing Shriganganagar and the country proud is a dream come true for his family.
Manav’s sister, Mansi, assured him not to worry about the defeat in South Africa. She encouraged him, saying that he will bounce back in a few days.
First Under-14 Cricket Tournament
Manav practiced at the District Cricket Association’s academy in Shriganganagar. His coaches Dheeraj Sharma and secretary Vinod Saharan are delighted with his progress. Dheeraj Sharma mentioned that Manav’s consistent practice in improving his bowling skills paid off. Many players from the District Cricket Association returned to the pavilion facing Manav’s spin. He was selected in the Under-14 Cricket Tournament for the first time.
Representing India A Team
After representing Rajasthan in Under-16, Under-19, and Under-23, he also played in the Ranji Trophy with the Rajasthan team. He further played for India A in the Emerging Asia Cup and impressed in the series against South Africa. Manav also represented India A in the Asian Cricket Council in Sri Lanka in 2023, where India A faced Pakistan A, showcasing remarkable performance as a bowler, taking 3 wickets for just 36 runs in 10 overs.
Gujarat Titans (GT) held the highest bid in the auction in Harare, with a whopping bid of INR 38.15 crores. An expenditure of 20 lakhs was allocated for humanitarian welfare. Gujarat acquired international match sponsors for 10 crores. Bowler Umesh Yadav alone incurred expenses of 5.80 crores.
Gujarat Titans Acquire Players in the Auction
- Azmatullah Omarzai: 50 lakhs
- Umesh Yadav: 5.80 crores
- Shahrukh Khan: 7.40 crores
- Sushant Mishra: 2.20 crores
- Kartik Tyagi: 60 lakhs
- Manav Suthar: 20 lakhs
- Sponsor Johnson: 10 crores
- Robin Minj: 3.60 crores
Retained Players by Gujarat Titans
The retained players for Gujarat Titans in the upcoming season include David Miller, Shubman Gill (Captain), Matthew Wade, Riddhiman Saha, Ken Williamson, Abhinav Manohar, B Sai Sudarshan, Darshan Nalkande, Vijay Shankar, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Tewatia, Mohammad Shami, Noor Ahmad, Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, Joshua Little, and Mohit Sharma. These players have been part of the team in previous seasons.
Australia’s Starc Emerges as Most Expensive Player
The 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed an intense 8-hour mini-auction, where 10 teams collectively spent 230.45 crores to acquire 72 players, including 30 foreign players. Australian pace duo, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, set a record-breaking bid. Kolkata Knight Riders acquired Starc for a record 24.75 crores, making him the most expensive player in franchise history. Hyderabad bought Cummins for 20.50 crores.
