Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Manish Pandey

Manish Pandey (born 10 September 1989) is an professional cricketer renowned as a right-handed middle-order batsman, who rose to prominence as the first player to score a century in the (IPL). Hailing from , , Pandey has represented in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), while anchoring the team in domestic competitions like the . Pandey's breakthrough came in 2009 during the IPL's second season, where, at just 19 years old, he smashed an unbeaten 114 off 73 balls for (RCB) against , securing a nine-wicket victory and etching his name in history. This feat not only highlighted his aggressive strokeplay but also propelled him into the national spotlight, leading to his domestic consistency with , where he has amassed over 7,000 runs in . His IPL journey has spanned multiple franchises, including , (KKR), , , and , culminating in his retention by KKR for the 2025 season at INR 75 lakh; across 174 IPL matches as of the end of IPL 2025, he has scored 3,942 runs at an average of 29.42, including one century and 22 half-centuries. On the international stage, Pandey made his T20I debut on 12 July 2015 against , followed by his ODI debut two days later, where he scored a gritty 71 in a successful chase. His most memorable moment arrived in January 2016 during India's tour of , when his unbeaten 104 off 96 balls guided the team to a thrilling two-ball victory chasing 330 at the , preventing a series . Over his international career, Pandey has played 29 (scoring 566 runs at an average of 33.29 with one century) and 39 T20Is (709 runs at an average of 44.31), though opportunities have been limited by competition in India's batting lineup. Despite sporadic international appearances, his domestic and IPL reliability has solidified his status as a seasoned campaigner in Indian cricket.

Early life and domestic career

Early life and family

Manish Pandey was born on 10 September 1989 in , (then Uttaranchal), to Krishnanand Pandey, an officer, and Tara Pandey. Due to his father's military career, the family experienced frequent relocations across , including time in , for junior , and in , before settling in in 2004 when Pandey was 15 years old; this move was specifically aimed at providing superior training facilities and opportunities. Pandey's initial exposure to cricket came through school games and local clubs during his early years in Nainital and Nashik, evolving into structured play after the family's relocation to Bangalore, where he represented Karnataka in under-13 and under-15 age-group teams. The disciplined environment shaped by his father's background played a pivotal role in fostering Pandey's rigorous and commitment to , values that became foundational to his sporting development.

Domestic debut and key performances

Seeking better opportunities after his family's relocation to , Manish Pandey switched allegiance to ahead of the 2008–09 season. He made his first-class debut for in the on 23 November 2008 against Baroda. He made his List A debut for in the on 2 April 2008 against Saurashtra. Pandey's T20 debut for the state followed in 2008. In his debut Ranji season with during 2008–09, Pandey accumulated 301 runs across 10 innings at an average of 30.10, signaling his potential as a middle-order batsman. The following 2009–10 season marked his breakthrough, where he scored 882 runs in 14 innings at an average of 63.00, including four centuries and five half-centuries, to finish as the tournament's highest run-scorer. His maiden first-class century came that year, an unbeaten 194 off 228 balls against in , forming a 273-run partnership with that propelled to a commanding total. Pandey assumed the captaincy of 's domestic sides starting in the 2018–19 season, bringing leadership stability to the team. Under his guidance, secured the title in 2019–20, defeating in the final after a dominant campaign. The same season, they also clinched the , again overcoming in the summit clash to claim their first T20 domestic crown since 2009–10. In December 2024, Pandey was excluded from 's squad to make way for younger players, though he continued to feature in the . As of November 2025, Pandey's domestic record stands at 192 List A matches with 6,310 runs at an average of 45.39, including 15 centuries, and 311 T20 matches yielding 7,100 runs at an average of 31.22, featuring two centuries.

IPL career

Breakthrough and early success (2008–2014)

Manish Pandey made his IPL debut at the age of 18 during the inaugural season for the , where he featured in three matches but managed only 3 runs across two innings. He was then acquired by the Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the 2009 for INR 1.2 million, marking the beginning of his breakthrough phase with the franchise. Pandey's rise to prominence came in the 2009 IPL season with RCB, where he played five matches and scored 168 runs at an average of 84.00, highlighted by a historic unbeaten 114 off 73 balls against the on May 21 at SuperSport Park, . This innings, which included 10 fours and 4 sixes, made him the first Indian player to score a century in the IPL, powering RCB to 170/6 and a 12-run victory while earning him the award. His elegant strokeplay, particularly his signature cover drives, showcased an aggressive middle-order approach that drew comparisons to established batsmen and solidified his reputation as a stylish finisher. In 2010, Pandey continued his development with RCB, appearing in 13 matches and accumulating 249 runs at a of 115.81, with his consistent contributions in the middle order helping the team reach the semi-finals. Ahead of the 2011 season, he signed directly with the newly formed for INR 2 million, though the deal led to a four-match suspension for violating IPL player transfer rules; he still featured in 11 matches that year, scoring 246 runs including a fifty. Over the next two seasons with PWI (2012 and 2013), Pandey played 25 matches in total, adding 128 and 136 runs respectively, often stabilizing the innings with calculated aggression despite the team's struggles. Across his early IPL years from 2008 to 2014, he participated in 73 matches, amassing approximately 2,128 runs at an average of 30.40, featuring one century and six half-centuries, with 2014 marking his peak output at 401 runs. Pandey's tenure with PWI ended after 2013, and he was picked up by the in the auction for INR 1.7 , returning to form with 401 runs in 16 matches at an average of 57.29, including three fifties that played a key role in KKR's IPL title win. His early career established him as a reliable middle-order batsman known for aggressive strokeplay and composure under pressure.

Team transitions and recent seasons (2015–2025)

In 2015, Manish Pandey was retained by the (KKR) following his contributions in the previous season, marking the beginning of a significant phase in his IPL career with the franchise. He played for KKR from 2015 to 2017, appearing in 35 matches and accumulating 844 runs at an average of 26.38. During this period, Pandey often batted in the middle order, providing stability and occasional acceleration, though his consistency varied amid team rotations. He returned to KKR in 2024. Following his initial time with KKR, Pandey joined Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the 2018 season, where he remained until 2021, including in 2020. In 39 matches for SRH, he scored 966 runs, showcasing his adaptability in the top and middle order. A standout performance came in the 2019 season during a crucial playoff-qualifying match against Mumbai Indians, where his unbeaten 71 off 47 balls, including a last-ball six, forced a Super Over despite SRH's eventual loss. This knock highlighted his finishing prowess under pressure. Pandey's IPL journey continued with a move to the (LSG) in the 2022 auction for INR 4.6 , where he featured in 6 matches and scored 88 runs, primarily as a middle-order batsman. The following year, he was acquired by (DC) for INR 2.4 but saw limited opportunities, playing 9 matches with 160 runs including a half-century. In 2024, picked him up for INR 50 lakh at the auction; he played one match, scoring 42 runs against . In a notable return to his former franchise, acquired Pandey for INR 75 at the 2025 IPL . At age 36, he played three matches that season, scoring 37 against SRH, 19 against , and 36* against CSK (92 runs total), offering valuable support in the top order during 's early games. The season faced disruptions due to an IPL suspension prompted by India-Pakistan border tensions in May 2025, limiting overall play but underscoring Pandey's veteran experience. By the end of the 2025 season, Pandey's IPL career tally stood at 174 matches, 3,942 runs at an average of 29.42, a of 121.52, one century, and 22 half-centuries. In his later years, he adapted to a top-order role, emphasizing shot-making and stability, though post-2020 selections remained inconsistent due to emerging talent and his advancing age. Challenges included fluctuating form and a shift toward finishing duties, which sometimes restricted his impact in high-stakes games.

International career

One Day Internationals

Manish Pandey made his (ODI) debut for on 14 July 2015 against in , scoring 71 runs in a match-winning partnership of 144 with that helped India post 276 and secure an 83-run victory, completing a 3-0 series sweep. His selection was bolstered by consistent domestic performances and standout IPL contributions, positioning him as a promising middle-order option. Pandey's most memorable ODI innings came on 23 January 2016 against in , where he scored an unbeaten 104 off 81 balls—his maiden ODI century—during a thrilling chase of 331 that India completed with two balls to spare, avoiding a series whitewash after four prior defeats. This knock, featuring eight fours and a six, powered to 331 for 4 and marked the highest successful ODI chase by a visiting team in at the time. Over his ODI career spanning 2015 to 2021, Pandey played 29 matches, accumulating 566 runs at an average of 33.29 and a of 90.56, including one century and two half-centuries, with a highest score of 104*. He struck 45 fours and five sixes, often serving as a middle-order stabilizer amid fierce competition from established players like and , which limited his opportunities. His final ODI appearance was on 23 July 2021 against in , where he scored 11 runs in a rain-affected match that won by three wickets via the DLS method.

Twenty20 Internationals

Manish Pandey made his debut for on 17 July 2015 against at , , where he scored 19 runs off 19 balls, including one four and one six, contributing to India's total of 178/5 in a 54-run victory. His rapid inclusion in the squad followed a strong performance in the season with , where he aggregated 366 runs at a of 141.78. Pandey established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman known for his aggressive strokeplay and finishing capabilities during various bilateral series. He delivered key performances, such as an unbeaten 79 off 48 balls (six fours, three sixes) against in the second T20I at in February 2018, anchoring to 188/4 and securing a six-run win. Other notable contributions included 51 off 36 balls (two fours, three sixes) in the solitary T20I against at in September 2017, helping chase down 170 with four wickets and nine balls to spare, and an unbeaten 50 off 28 balls (six fours) versus in the fourth T20I at in January 2020, aiding a competitive total of 166/5. He featured consistently as a middle-order stabilizer in tours to (2016), (2017), (2018), (2018), (2020), and (2020), often batting at numbers 4, 5, or 6 to accelerate in the death overs. Selected in 's squad for the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup in but receiving no game time amid stiff competition, Pandey was lauded by former coach for his composure under pressure and ability to finish innings effectively in limited-overs cricket. However, post-2020, he was increasingly overlooked in favor of emerging talents like and , reflecting the depth in 's white-ball batting lineup. Across his T20I career spanning 2015 to 2020, Pandey appeared in 39 matches, amassing 709 runs in 33 innings at an average of 44.31 and a of 126.16, including three fifties and a highest score of 79*; he struck 49 fours and 19 sixes while effecting 9 catches. His final T20I appearance came on 4 2020 against Australia at , , where he scored 1 run off 2 balls in a low-scoring encounter lost by 11 runs.

Personal life and legacy

Personal life

Manish Pandey married actress on December 2, 2019, in an intimate ceremony in . The couple, who had a , frequently shared glimpses of their life together on , including travels and public appearances, until 2024. As of 2025, the couple has no children. Early in the year, divorce rumors surfaced after Pandey and Shetty unfollowed each other on and deleted wedding photos from their profiles, sparking public speculation about a separation; however, Pandey has not confirmed any such developments. Pandey resides in , where he maintains a low-profile lifestyle shaped by his father's service in the , which instilled a strong sense of discipline in his routine. This military ethos influences his emphasis on , including daily workouts that prioritize and consistency. His interests include traveling—often with his wife before the recent rumors—and supporting the growth of in through his long-standing association with the state team. Beyond the 2025 personal speculations, Pandey has avoided major controversies.

Achievements and impact

Manish Pandey etched his name in IPL history as the first Indian batter to score a century, achieving the milestone with an unbeaten 114 off 73 balls in a league match against , earning him the award. This innings not only propelled to the final but also highlighted his potential as a middle-order aggressor for domestic talents transitioning to the T20 league. His 2016 ODI century of 104 not out against in remains a standout international performance, showcasing his composure in high-pressure chases. In domestic cricket, Pandey has been a prolific run-scorer for , particularly in T20s, where he holds records for explosive innings such as 129 not out off 54 balls in the 2019 , contributing to 's back-to-back titles in 2018-19 and 2019-20 as captain. He earned multiple Man of the Match awards during the 2019 , including for his unbeaten 142 off 118 balls against , amassing 525 runs at an average of 105 to lead to victory. Despite discussions around his eligibility due to consistent domestic performances, he has not received the honor. Pandey's impact extends beyond statistics, with over 20,000 runs across all formats, including 7,973 in first-class (as of December 2024), 6,310 in List A, and 7,100 in T20s as of 2025. As captain, he mentored emerging batsmen like , fostering a culture of aggressive middle-order play that influenced IPL strategies. His elegant batting style, characterized by high-percentage cover drives, has inspired young players and popularized the IPL as a platform for domestic . Post-2021, Pandey demonstrated remarkable resilience, transitioning to a veteran IPL role after limited international opportunities, continuing to contribute at age 36 in the 2025 season for , where he scored 92 runs in three matches, including a highest of 37 against . This longevity underscores his enduring influence on Indian cricket's T20 landscape.

References

  1. [1]
    Manish Pandey Profile - Cricket Player India | Stats, Records, Video
    Manish Pandey will always be remembered as the first Indian to score a century in the IPL. In one night, the 19-year-old went from being Karnataka's next big ...Records · Matches · Stats · Photos
  2. [2]
    Manish Pandey Profile - ICC Ranking, Age, Career Info & Stats
    PERSONAL INFORMATION. Born. September 10, 1989 (36 years). Birth Place. Nainital, Uttaranchal. Nickname. Manish Pandey. Role. Batsman. Batting Style. Right ...
  3. [3]
    Kolkata Knight Riders | Manish Pandey Profile - IPL 2025
    He also holds the distinction of being the first Indian to score a ton in the IPL. The 35-year old was roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 75 lakh.
  4. [4]
    Manish Pandey IPL Career: Records, Age, Price, Team 2025, Stats
    Manish Pandey has played 174 matches to date in his IPL career and has scored 3,942 runs, with an average of 29.42. He has also slammed 1 century and 22 half- ...
  5. [5]
    Manish Pandey's feat a result of his dedication: Father - Times of India
    Jan 23, 2016 · Born in Nainital, Manish grew up in Nasik, where he played in junior cricket, before moving to Suratgarh in Rajasthan. Thereafter his father was ...Missing: early background<|control11|><|separator|>
  6. [6]
    Manish Pandey Profile - Age, Career Info, News, Stats ... - Sportskeeda
    Manish Pandey was born to G.S Pandey and Tara Pandey in 1989 in Nainital, Uttrakhand. His father was an armyman and if Pandey had not excelled in IPL by hitting ...Missing: early background parents
  7. [7]
    15 Interesting facts about Manish Pandey that you should know
    Sep 10, 2015 · Born in Nainital, Manish Pandey came to Bangalore with his family at 15. His father was with The Indian Army. When his father was transferred ...
  8. [8]
    Manish Pandey | Player Profile - Delhi Capitals
    Manish Pandey came to the limelight at the very young age of 19 years, when he became the first Indian player to score a century at the biggest stage possible.
  9. [9]
    Manish Pandey MI IPL in 2008 - Advance Cricket
    In 2008, Manish Pandey played 3 IPL matches and scored 3 runs in 2 Innings. Manish Pandey's Highest Score in IPL 2008 is 3. M Pandey has 0 IPL centuries, 0 IPL ...
  10. [10]
    Manish Pandey - MoneyBall - InsideSport
    2011 · icon1 Pune Warriors India, ₹ 2,000,000 ; 2010 · icon1 Royal Challengers Bangalore, ₹ 1,200,000 ; 2009 · icon1 Royal Challengers Bangalore, ₹ 1,200,000.<|control11|><|separator|>
  11. [11]
    RCB vs DCH Cricket Scorecard, 56th match at Centurion, May 21 ...
    2009. Player Of The Match. RCB. Manish Pandey. Hours of play (local time), 16.30 start, First Session 16.30-17.50, Interval 17.50-18.10, Second Session 18.10- ...
  12. [12]
    Non-conformist, high-impact player: Manish Pandey's knock in ...
    Jan 25, 2016 · Along the way, in U-15, U-17 & U-19 age group tournaments, the slim, right handed batsman notched up huge scores and eventually, in 2008, gained ...
  13. [13]
    Manish Pandey IPL On Indian Premier League 2010 in 2010
    In 2010, Manish Pandey played 13 IPL matches and scored 249 runs in 13 Innings. Manish Pandey's Highest Score in IPL 2010 is 42. M Pandey has 0 IPL centuries, 0 ...
  14. [14]
    IPL window shuts on Ganguly | ESPNcricinfo
    Feb 4, 2011 · The governing council, also, in a questionable decision, allowed Manish Pandey to sign with the Pune Warriors, but banned him for four matches ...
  15. [15]
    None
    Nothing is retrieved...<|control11|><|separator|>
  16. [16]
    Vaibhav Suryavanshi to Yashasvi Jaiswal: The Youngest Centurions ...
    Apr 30, 2025 · At 19, Pandey's composure under pressure was remarkable, anchoring the innings with elegant drives and calculated aggression. As the first ...
  17. [17]
    MI vs SRH Cricket Scorecard, 51st Match at Mumbai, May 02, 2019
    Live Cricket Scoreboard: Get Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad 51st Match, cricket scorecard, IPL 2019 dated May 02, 2019 ... Manish Pandey. not out, 71, 47 ...
  18. [18]
    Manish Pandey IPL Stats, Career & Records | IPL 2025 Squad
    Manish Pandey Overall IPL Records ; Overall. 174. 114 vs Deccan Chargers ; 2025. 3. 37 vs SRH ; 2024. 1. 42 vs MI ; 2023. 10. 50 vs RCB ; 2022. 6. 38 vs MI.
  19. [19]
    Manish Pandey IPL Stats - Advance Cricket
    Manish Pandey played 174 IPL matches and scored 3942 runs in 162 Innings. Manish Pandey's Highest Score in IPL is 114. M Pandey has 1 IPL centuries, 22 IPL half ...
  20. [20]
    ZIM vs IND Cricket Scorecard, 3rd ODI at Harare, July 14, 2015
    ZIM vs IND ; 46.5 to MK Pandey, Manish holes out to long-on. Chibhabha sucks pace off this outside off. Manish has to drag the pull from there and hits it to ...
  21. [21]
    AUS vs IND Cricket Scorecard, 5th ODI at Sydney, January 23, 2016
    Jan 23, 2016 · Season, 2015/16 ; Player Of The Match. India. Manish Pandey ; Player Of The Series. India. Rohit Sharma ; Series result, Australia won the 5-match ...
  22. [22]
    SL vs IND Cricket Scorecard, 3rd ODI at Colombo, July 23, 2021
    Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Shikhar Dhawan, 2.3 ov), 2-102 (Prithvi Shaw, 15.5 ov), 3-118 (Sanju Samson, 18.4 ov), 4-157 (Manish Pandey, 24.5 ov), 5-179 (Hardik ...Missing: score | Show results with:score
  23. [23]
    ZIM vs IND Cricket Scorecard, 1st T20I at Harare, July 17, 2015
    Fall of wickets: 1-64 (Murali Vijay, 6.6 ov), 2-82 (Ajinkya Rahane, 9.2 ov), 3-127 (Manish Pandey, 15.2 ov), 4-150 (Kedar Jadhav, 17.3 ov), 5-166 (Stuart Binny, ...
  24. [24]
    SA vs IND Cricket Scorecard, 2nd T20I at Centurion, February 21 ...
    Manish Pandey. not out, 79, 48, 66, 6, 3, 164.58. not out. MS Dhoni †. not out, 52, 28 ... Pandey 79, MS Dhoni 52). South Africa innings; Powerplay: Overs 0.1 - ...
  25. [25]
    Happy Birthday Manish Pandey - Ashrita Shetty - India.Com
    Sep 10, 2024 · Manish Pandey and Ashrita Shetty got married on December 2, 2019 in a private ceremony in Mumbai. Advertisement. Ashrita Shetty is a model ...
  26. [26]
    Manish Pandey- Ashrita Shetty's Love Story: From Marrying A Day ...
    Apr 1, 2025 · Manish and Ashrita had a love marriage and got married a day after making Karnataka win the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
  27. [27]
    Batsman Manish Pandey and his wife actress Ashrita Shetty are ...
    View Batsman Manish Pandey and his wife actress Ashrita Shetty are major travel junkies Pics on TOI Photogallery.
  28. [28]
    After Yuzvendra Chahal-Dhanashree Verma, cricketer Manish ...
    Jan 10, 2025 · Manish Pandey married Ashrita Shetty in December 2019. Initially, the couple was often seen together at various events and would often post on ...
  29. [29]
    Is It Splitsville For Actor Ashrita Shetty And Cricketer Manish Pandey?
    Mar 11, 2025 · Ashrita Shetty, and Manish Pandey exchanged vows in a glittering ceremony in Mumbai on December 2, 2019. The wedding ceremony saw the bigwigs of ...
  30. [30]
    Manish Pandey credits his army background for his fitness goals ...
    Apr 24, 2025 · Manish Pandey credits his army background for instilling fitness and discipline. The Kolkata T20 player follows a simple workout routine with strength and ...
  31. [31]
    IPL 2025: Gut healthy and nutritious! Here's what KKR's Manish ...
    Known for his graceful batting and electric fielding, the Indian star highlighted how he imbibes discipline in his daily schedule. He said, “Being from an army ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  32. [32]
    Karnataka's Manish Pandey: 'This is where I look forward to coming ...
    Manish Pandey made his first-class debut for Karnataka in 2008-09 as a teenager, straight out of a victorious Under-19 World Cup campaign under Virat ...
  33. [33]
    Deepak Chahar, Manish Pandey light up Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
    Nov 12, 2019 · But even Padikkal's charge was put to the shade by Pandey, who smashed 12 fours and ten sixes to make a total of 108 runs via boundaries in his ...Missing: leading | Show results with:leading
  34. [34]
    Vijay Hazare Trophy 2019/20 | Live Score, Schedule, News
    Manish Pandey shows he is a level above in Vijay Hazare Trophy. It was not just the runs he ...Missing: captain | Show results with:captain
  35. [35]
    Vijay Hazare Trophy: Manish Pandey, KL Rahul take Karnataka to ...
    Oct 2, 2019 · Skipper Manish Pandey and opener KL Rahul shone with the bat as Karnataka defeated Chhattisgarh by 79 runs in their Elite Group A match of Vijay Hazare trophy ...
  36. [36]
    Manish Pandey IPL 2025 Records - Advance Cricket
    In 2025, Manish Pandey played 3 IPL matches and scored 92 runs in 3 Innings. Manish Pandey's Highest Score in IPL 2025 is 37. M Pandey has 0 IPL centuries, 0 ...Missing: milestones awards