S Manigandan

S Manigandan, born on the 6th of May 1996, has etched his name into the cricketing annals as one of the sport's most exciting bowlers. From his childhood days in the cricketing backstreets of Chennai, Manigandan’s journey to professional stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. A natural legbreak bowler, he developed his craft by watching and mimicking the greats, spinning balls on makeshift pitches with his childhood friends.

Manigandan’s cricketing prowess was evident from an early age. He quickly rose through the local circuits in Tamil Nadu, showcasing an uncanny ability to deceive batsmen with his googlies and impeccable control. His early performances in age-level cricket were nothing less than remarkable, catching the eye of state selectors. It was during the 2017 Ranji Trophy season that he made his first-class debut, a moment that marked his formal introduction to professional cricket.

Over the years, Manigandan has amassed several accolades. Perhaps his most celebrated achievement came in 2020 when he helped lead Tamil Nadu to a historic Vijay Hazare Trophy victory, where his innovative bowling tactics and discipline set him apart. Not to forget, the thrilling performance against Karnataka later that year, which saw him rip through their middle order, cementing his reputation as a match-winner.

Among the encounters that defined his career was a pivotal match against arch-rivals Mumbai, where his high-pressure bowling in the final overs retained a narrow victory for his side. Such performances have fuelled an intense rivalry with Mumbai, turning their matches into a spectacle for fans eager to witness Manigandan's wizardry.

Manigandan’s playing style is a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation. As a right-hand batsman, he is useful down the order, contributing crucial runs when needed. But it’s with the ball that he truly shines; his unpredictable legbreaks, combined with a subtle variation in flight and pace, often leave batsmen guessing. His signature delivery—a sharp-turning legbreak—has baffled even the most seasoned of oppositions.

Perhaps the most significant moment of his career was during the 2019-2020 domestic season, when his remarkable hat-trick against Bengal left a lasting imprint on fans and critics alike. This performance not only proved his ability to change the course of a game single-handedly but also solidified his legacy as a bowler of immense potential and flair. Through grit and grace, S Manigandan continues to captivate and inspire the cricketing world.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats