Galle, Aug. 14 -- India Test captain Shubman Gill backed young all-rounder Manav Suthar to fill the No. 8 role and provide batting depth in the absence of the team's usual all-round options, saying the left-arm spinner has the potential to develop into a quality batter in the longest format.

India will begin their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at Galle on Saturday, with the opening game also marking the country's 600th Test.

Gill acknowledged that India have adopted a more specialist combination for the series but said Suthar's ability with the bat could give the side the required balance.

"That's where someone like Manav Suthar comes in. He's got the ability with the bat, and we know he can perform. At this level, you need a...