Manish Pandey
First Indian to score an IPL century, Asia Cup winner, and two-time IPL champion with KKR.
Manish Krishnanand Pandey (born 10 September 1989) is an Indian cricketer. He is a right-handed top-order batsman representing Karnataka in domestic cricket and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He became the first Indian player to score a century in the IPL in the 2009 season, playing for his former team Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He was a part of the Indian squad which won the 2018 Asia Cup and won the 2014 and 2024 IPL titles with KKR.
- Role
- Right-handed Batsman
- Affiliation
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (2018–2021)
- Key Era
- Championship Winning Squad & Early Years
- Status
- Former Player
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Pandey was born in Nainital, Uttarakhand, but moved to Bangalore at the age of 15 with his family. His father was in the Indian Army. He did his schooling in Kendriya Vidyalaya and later joined the Karnataka State Cricket Association. His sister, Anita Pandey, is also a former cricketer who represented Karnataka. He was a member of the victorious Indian team in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup held in Malaysia.
In Their Own Story
In 2018, Manish Pandey became one of the highest paid cricketers in the season when Sunrisers Hyderabad picked him up for US$1.35 million. He continued playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad until 2021. During the 2021 season, however, he was dropped for most of the season due to lack of form. His time with the franchise saw him as part of the Indian squad that won the 2018 Asia Cup. After leaving Sunrisers, Pandey moved through multiple teams in subsequent auctions before returning to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, where he won his second IPL title.
Reader's Guide
Pandey made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India against Zimbabwe on 14 July 2015. He made his Twenty20 International debut for India on the same tour, on 17 July 2015. His unbeaten maiden ODI century came in January 2016 in Sydney, helping India chase down Australia's 330. He was selected as a replacement for Yuvraj Singh in the 2016 World T20. He was named in the 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy in June 2017 but missed the event due to injury. In June 2021, he was named in India's ODI and T20I squad for the series against Sri Lanka.
Did You Know?
- Manish Pandey became the first Indian to score a century in the IPL, doing so for Royal Challengers Bangalore on 21 May 2009.
- He was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹11 crore in 2018, becoming one of the highest paid cricketers that season.
- Pandey played for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Pune Warriors India, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi Capitals, and again Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
- He married Indian actress Ashrita Shetty on 2 December 2019 in Mumbai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Manish Pandey in the context of Sunrisers Hyderabad?
He is an Indian right-handed batsman who played a pivotal role as a top-order anchor for the franchise from 2018 to 2021. Known for his elegant stroke play, he brought significant experience to the squad during those seasons.
What was Manish Pandey's specific role within the team?
Pandey operated as a top-order batsman responsible for stabilizing innings or accelerating scoring based on match requirements. His adaptability allowed him to support both aggressive openers and middle-order finishers effectively.
How much did Sunrisers Hyderabad pay to acquire Manish Pandey?
The franchise bought his rights for ₹11 crore during the 2018 player auction, making him one of the highest-paid cricketers that year. This high bid reflected the team's strong belief in his batting capabilities.
Did Manish Pandey win an IPL trophy while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad?
He did not secure a championship title during his four-year stint with the Hyderabad side between 2018 and 2021. His previous IPL victories were achieved earlier in his career with Kolkata Knight Riders.
Why is Manish Pandey remembered by Sunrisers Hyderabad fans?
Fans recall him for bringing international stature and consistent run-scoring during a transitional era for the team. His presence added depth to the batting lineup and provided leadership through experience.
More in Legendary Players & Staff
Elsewhere in the Sunrisers Hyderabad universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record