'Only when you get success, do you get motivation' - M Siddharth ecstatic after getting picked by LSG in IPL auction 2024

In a thrilling turn of events at the recent IPL 2024 mini-auction on December 19, the cricketing world witnessed the promising resurgence of Manimaran Siddharth, a talent that had been sidelined due to an injury concern. Having previously been part of the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Delhi Capitals, Siddharth's journey in the IPL had faced a temporary setback. However, his unwavering belief in his skills and dedicated efforts in Tamil Nadu's circuits, along with stellar performances in the TNPL, had kept the spotlight on him.

Anticipation was mixed with nerves as the 25-year-old awaited his fate during the auction. To his immense relief, Lucknow Super Giants displayed keen interest, initiating a bidding war that drew in Royal Challengers Bangalore. Starting at a base price of Rs 20 lakh, his fortunes soared as he secured a remarkable deal of Rs 2.4 crore from Lucknow.

"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,” M Siddharth told Indiatoday.in.

Siddharth aspires to be a powerplay maverick

Siddharth has diligently fine-tuned his repertoire with subtle yet impactful variations. Instructed by Tamil Nadu skipper Dinesh Karthik to bowl during powerplays in 2019, the left-arm leg-spinner has evolved significantly since. Over the past four years, he's earned a reputation for his adeptness in constraining opposition batters both within and beyond the powerplay.

"I was working very hard over the last two years. I just wanted to create an impact wherever I played. I thought TNPL would be a great opportunity for me to create that impact. And bowling in the powerplay, I did well and I did sense that something big was coming," he added.