IPL 2024: Who Is Manimaran Siddharth? - Spinner From Tamil Nadu Who Dismissed Virat Kohli To Bag His Maiden IPL Wicket

The rise of Manimaran Siddharth in the Indian Premier League 2024 season has been incredible to watch. The slow left-arm bowler was able to bag the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli in match 15 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were chasing a target of 182 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Kohli was in great form. The ace batter had struck a couple of boundaries and a six to score 22 runs off 16 balls before getting out to Siddharth, who claimed his first IPL wicket. The off-spinner from Tamil Nadu played for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2020 and Delhi Capitals in 2021 but was forced to pause his IPL journey due to an injury. After impressive performances in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and for his state team, Lucknow Super Giants picked Siddharth for 2.4 crores for IPL 2024.

Siddharth fulfils LSG coach Justin Langer's wish in his first attempt in IPL

Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer had only one request for left-arm spinner M Siddharth after watching him bowl an arm-ball in the nets - Get Virat Kohli out. Siddharth, a shy boy from Tamil Nadu, responded with a nod and said, "Yes, sir!" Little did Langer know that Siddarth would keep his promise on the first chance he got to bowl at Kohli in the IPL 2024 season. In only his second IPL match, Siddharth dismissed Indian veteran batter Virat Kohli. This was also his first wicket in the tournament, as he had gone wicketless on debut against the Punjab Kings.

The left-arm spinner's prowess grew with consistent performances for Tamil Nadu in the domestic circuit. His performances in the Tamil Nadu Premier League were also scintillating to watch and were one of the key reasons why the Lucknow franchise spent a big sum on him. After being signed by the Lucknow Super Giants, the left-arm orthodox bowler spoke to India Today in December 2023.

"I was nervous. I felt nervous the previous night. It's a big thing to find your name on the auction list. After that, I was wondering if I would get picked or not because I wanted to make it to the IPL this time. Last two years I wasn't there. I told myself that this time, I had to make it. Only when you get success, do you get motivation. For me to move forward, I felt this was the right opportunity. I am glad it has happened," Manimaran Siddharth said.

M Siddharth - The accidental Left-arm spinner from Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu's latest spin sensation, M Siddharth, moved to Chennai with his family to pursue a career in professional cricket after being born in Jakarta, Indonesia. The coaches at his academy noticed that he lacked the necessary pace to become a fast bowler despite his desire to become the next Irfan Pathan. During the Tamil Nadu Premier League, Siddharth began bowling left-arm spin, yet he still managed to swing the new ball, which has become his signature move. He took 11 wickets with an economy rate of 5.61 in 9 matches for Lyca Kovai Kings, the best by any bowler who bowled a minimum of 20 overs.

When your first ever IPL wicket is the 🐐

So much more to come, Sid! 💙 pic.twitter.com/i8018hvVqb

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 2, 2024

In 2019, Siddharth made his T20 debut for Tamil Nadu in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, picking up 12 wickets in the season. But it was Dinesh Karthik who suggested him to bowl in the Powerplay, completely changing his role forever. In 2019, he made his First-class debut against Punjab. He has played seven games and picked up 27 wickets, including two four-wicket hauls. It took him a couple of years to play his first List A match for his state. He has taken 26 wickets in 17 50-over games.

LSG's team management had so much faith in him that they backed him to bowl with the new ball against Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis on the night. LSG won quite comfortably by 28 runs to go to the fourth position in the IPL 2024 points table. The franchise uploaded a video on its social media handles where head coach Langer was seen talking about his first impression of Siddarth.

Young dreams, manifested and delivered 🙌🧿 pic.twitter.com/SNItXN7CTc

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 2, 2024