M. Siddharth embraces PowerPlay challenge after starring in Kovai Kings’ TNPL title run

There is something revealing in the way M. Siddharth talks about bowling in the PowerPlay. It is not merely a job he has been given, or a tactical responsibility. He describes it as a challenge.

“It’s obviously very challenging. I want to do it because it’s a challenge. If I do well, then it’s good for the team. Why am I being preferred over a fast bowler to bowl with the new ball? If a fast bowler is going to give two overs for 20, then I should be able to do better than that. If I can give two overs for 10 or 12, and even take a wicket, that’s an impact for me,” he said over the phone on Wednesday (September 2, 2026).

Siddharth was central to Vida Kovai Kings’ latest TNPL title run, finishing second on the wickets chart with 16 wickets and recording the tournament’s best economy rate (5.08). Ten of his wickets came in the PowerPlay. He also regularly bowled arm-balls above 110 kph.

“I have always felt that’s a wicket-taking delivery for me. I see that as a strength,” he said.

He played only four IPL games this season, but said he “was able to bring that confidence and learnings into the TNPL.”

He’s worked with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spin-bowling coach Carl Crowe, who helped remodel Sunil Narine’s action. “We worked a lot on my technique and variations like backspinner, carrom ball, bouncer, and yorker. He gave me a lot of confidence. I was able to explore more of my bowling,” Siddharth said.

The bouncer was worked on extensively after Krunal Pandya’s use of it gave Siddharth the confidence to try it himself.

“After watching him bowl that, I felt I could do it as well - that I was capable of it. I bowled it a lot in IPL practice. It came out well,” he said. He even brought out that bouncer in this TNPL.

For the 28-year-old, all this work ultimately leads to one goal: “To play for India.”