Manish Pandey has made history as he was selected by Kolkata Knight Riders for their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 3, 2026. This selection marks him as the third player to appear in all 19 seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Before this moment, expectations varied. Many speculated if Pandey would continue his career after limited appearances in recent seasons.
The decisive moment came when KKR decided to include him in their lineup. He replaced Ramandeep Singh, making his first appearance since last year.
Pandey’s achievement is significant. He joins elite company with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have also played every season since the league began.
In contrast, MS Dhoni, who has played 18 seasons, is sidelined due to injury and did not participate in the 2026 edition.
Pandey, at 36 years old, began his IPL journey with Mumbai Indians in 2008. He became the first Indian to score a century in the IPL in 2009 while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
His notable contributions include being part of KKR’s title-winning campaign in 2014, where he scored 400 runs.
Pandey’s selection reflects KKR’s trust in his experience. They bought him for Rs 75 lakh at the auction for this season.
Key statistics:
- Pandey has played for six different teams throughout his IPL career.
- This season marks his return after limited play last year.
- Pandey played one match during KKR’s title-winning season in 2024.
Ajinkya Rahane commented on the team’s strategy, saying, “We wanted to bat first as well.” He emphasized that winning small moments is crucial in this format.
The IPL continues to evolve with each season. As teams adjust their strategies, veteran players like Pandey still hold significant value.
