Manish Pandey

IND
IND
Batsman
Batsman
Manish Pandey

Player Bio

Manish Pandey has made a name for himself in international cricket with his explosive batting and exceptional fielding skills. With a career spanning over a decade, Pandey has become an integral part of the Indian national team and various IPL franchises. His ability to adapt to different positions in the batting order makes him a valuable asset for any team.

Early Life and Background 

Born on September 10, 1989, in Nainital, Uttaranchal, Manish Krishnanand Pandey grew up in a cricket-loving family. His father served in the Indian Army while his sister Anita Pandey also represented Karnataka as a cricketer. At the age of 15, he moved to Bangalore with his family where he pursued his passion for cricket.

Pandey attended Kendriya Vidyalaya for his schooling before joining the Karnataka State Cricket Association. He honed his skills under the guidance of renowned coaches and started making waves in age-group tournaments. Inspired by his role model Rahul Dravid, Pandey developed a solid technique and an insatiable hunger for runs.

Rise to Prominence 

It was during the inaugural edition of IPL that Pandey etched his name into history books by becoming the first Indian player to score a century in the tournament. His unbeaten knock of 114 off just 73 deliveries against Deccan Chargers in 2009 remains one of the most memorable innings in IPL history.

Pandey's consistent performances for Karnataka and RCB earned him a call-up to the national team. He made his One Day International debut against Zimbabwe on July 14, 2015, and announced his arrival with a century in just his second ODI. His unbeaten knock of 104 against Australia showed his composure under pressure and cemented his place in the Indian team.

Since then, Pandey has been a regular feature in India's limited-overs squads. His ability to score quick runs and play according to the situation has made him a dependable middle-order batsman. He has also represented India in T20 cricket, where he has showcased his power-hitting skills on numerous occasions.

Cricketing Career 

Pandey boasts impressive numbers across all three formats. In ODIs, he has scored 566 runs at an average of 33.29, including one century and two fifties. In T20 Internationals, he has amassed 709 runs at an average of 44.31 with three fifties to his name. In the IPL, Pandey has been a consistent performer and has scored 3808 runs at an average of 29.07, including one century and 22 fifties.

Major Tournaments and Series

Manish Pandey has had the opportunity to showcase his skills in various major tournaments and series throughout his cricketing career. Starting with the ICC tournaments, Pandey has represented India in World Cups, the Champions Trophy, and the World T20.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has been a consistent performer for various teams like the Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals.

Playing Role and Skills

Manish Pandey is known for his versatility as a batsman. He can adapt to various roles within the batting lineup, whether it be opening the inning or playing in the middle order. His right-handed batting style and technique have earned him recognition as a reliable middle-order batsman.

Pandey possesses excellent hand-eye coordination, allowing him to time the ball well and find gaps in the field. He has a wide range of shots in his arsenal, including the swat-flick shot that he plays with great precision. His ability to rotate strikes and find boundaries makes him a valuable asset for any team.

As a fielder, Pandey is known for his athleticism and agility. He covers ground quickly and has made some stunning catches throughout his career. His presence on the field adds energy to the team, often inspiring his teammates with his exceptional fielding skills.

Personality and Off-the-Field Persona

Pandey draws inspiration from former Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid, whom he considers his role model. Like Dravid, he is known for his work ethic and dedication to the game. His disciplined approach to cricket has played a significant role in his success.

He has been seen enjoying leisurely moments with his wife, Ashrita Shetty, whom he married in December 2019.

Legacy and Impact

One of the extraordinary records that stands out in cricket history is Pandey's achievement as the first Indian player to score a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His unbeaten knock of 114 off just 73 deliveries for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2009 edition of the IPL showcased his immense talent and put him in the spotlight.

Recognition and Awards

Pandey's achievements include being named the highest run-getter in the 2009-10 Ranji Trophy season, showcasing his prowess in domestic cricket. Additionally, he holds the title of being Karnataka's second-highest run-getter in the 2013-14 Ranji season, further cementing his reputation as a dependable batsman.

As captain of Karnataka, he led his team to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2021, displaying remarkable leadership qualities along with his exceptional batting abilities.

Manish Pandey's journey in cricket has been filled with remarkable achievements and memorable performances. His impact on the game will be felt for years to come as young cricketers aspire to follow in his footsteps. With an illustrious career behind him and still more cricket ahead, Manish Pandey has undoubtedly left an enduring legacy in the world of cricket.

FAQs
Has Manish Pandey represented India in international cricket?
Yes, Manish Pandey has represented India in both ODIs and T20Is. He made his international debut in July 2015 against Zimbabwe.
Has Manish Pandey ever scored a century in ODIs?
Yes, Manish Pandey has scored a century in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His highest ODI score is 104.
How many fifties does Manish Pandey have in T20Is?
Manish Pandey has scored three fifties in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
For which team did Manish Pandey make his IPL debut?
Manish Pandey made his IPL debut for the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 29, 2008.
Which IPL team retained Manish Pandey for the 2023 season?
Manish Pandey is part of the Delhi Capitals squad for the 2023 season of the IPL.