Discover M Siddharth: A Unique Spinner with a Knack for Swinging the Ball.

Cricket Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024

Discover M Siddharth: A Unique Spinner with a Knack for Swinging the Ball.

Following their victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Lucknow Super Giants coach Justin Langer shared an interesting insight about his initial chat with the lesser-known left-arm fingerspinner M Siddharth.

Langer, in a candid moment, recounted his first interaction with Siddharth after the game.

Langer fondly remembered the amusing moment when he asked Siddharth if he could dismiss Virat Kohli for their team. Siddharth responded enthusiastically with a nod and a big smile, saying, "Yes, sir!"

Langer shared his thoughts after Siddharth successfully took Kohli's wicket in the IPL, which was Siddharth's first wicket in the league. 

Despite playing only his second IPL match and facing a formidable opponent like Kohli at a challenging venue for spinners, Siddharth managed to impress. He cleverly varied his bowling speed and found the right grip, causing Kohli to mishit and get caught at backward point for 22 runs. This moment quieted the loud home crowd at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Siddharth's bowling style is quite unique for a left-arm fingerspinner. 

Unlike traditional spinners who aim to turn the ball away from right-handed batsmen, Siddharth employs a technique similar to Imad Wasim and Akeal Hosein. He uses his index finger to swing the ball in, similar to how Imad and Hosein bowl. 

Typically, orthodox left-arm spinners turn the ball away from right-handers by bowling with the seam pointed towards first slip. But Siddharth's approach with the seam upright and canted towards fine leg allows him to surprise batsmen with inswingers, making him stand out from the usual left-arm spinners.