Manimaran Siddharth is a 27‑year‑old left‑arm orthodox spinner from Tamil Nadu, currently playing for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. He is known for his unorthodox drift that resembles inswingers, making him a tricky option in the power play.
Personal & Background
- Full Name: Manimaran Siddharth
- Born: 3 July 1998, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
- Batting Style: Right‑handed
- Bowling Style: Slow left‑arm orthodox
- Role: Bowler
- Domestic Team: Tamil Nadu
- IPL Teams: Kolkata Knight Riders (2020), Delhi Capitals (2021), Lucknow Super Giants (2024–present)
Career Highlights
- Domestic Debut: T20 debut for Tamil Nadu in 2019 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he dismissed Suryakumar Yadav, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer, and Shivam Dube in one match.
- Ranji Trophy Debut: December 2019 vs Karnataka.
- IPL Breakthrough: Bought by LSG for ₹2.4 crore in 2024; maiden IPL wicket was Virat Kohli.
- Recent IPL (2026): Claimed 2/35 vs Punjab Kings and 2/47 vs Mumbai Indians.
- Domestic Success: 12 wickets in 5 matches at an average of 7.41 in the 2019 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Manimaran Siddharth Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Avg | Econ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First‑Class | 8 | 30 | 4/32 | 22.93 | 2.60 | |
| List A | 17 | 26 | 5/12 | 23.26 | 4.09 | |
| T20s | 21 | 30 | 4/16 | 17.23 | 7.08 | |
| IPL | 9 | 9 | 2/35 | 31.44 | 9.12 |
Style & Strengths
- Bowling: Left‑arm orthodox with unique drift resembling inswingers.
- Powerplay Specialist: Trusted to bowl with the new ball against top batters.
- Temperament: Calm under pressure, effective in short bursts.
- Variation: Relies on flight and drift rather than sharp turns.
Legacy & Outlook
Manimaran Siddharth’s career reflects persistence in breaking through despite limited opportunities in Tamil Nadu’s spin‑heavy setup. His IPL stints with KKR and DC were brief, but his breakthrough with Lucknow Super Giants showcased his ability to dismiss big names like Virat Kohli. At 27, he is entering his prime, and consistent performances in the IPL could elevate him into India’s wider spin pool. His legacy will be defined by his unorthodox drift, powerplay effectiveness, and resilience in carving a niche in competitive cricket.
Conclusion:
Manimaran Siddharth’s journey reflects persistence and craft in carving a niche as a left‑arm spinner in India’s competitive cricketing landscape. His ability to generate unorthodox drift that troubles top batters, combined with his calm temperament in the power play, makes him a valuable asset for Lucknow Super Giants. Though opportunities have been limited, his breakthrough dismissals of big names like Virat Kohli highlight his potential. At 27, Siddharth is entering his prime, and consistent IPL performances could elevate him into India’s wider spin pool. His legacy will be defined by resilience, his unique bowling style, and his determination to stand out in high‑pressure situations.