Manish Pandey, a seasoned Indian cricketer and a vital part of Karnataka’s cricket for over a decade, has been excluded from the Karnataka probables list for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024. This decision marks a significant shift in the team’s strategy, focusing on giving opportunities to emerging talents.
KSCA’s Official Statement
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) men’s selection committee chairman, J. Abhiram, stated,
“Manish has had a fantastic career, but at some stage, you have to make way for youngsters. Players like Prakhar Chaturvedi, Aneeshwar Gautam, and K.V. Aneesh are exciting talents who need more opportunities.”
Pandey will also not feature in the second leg of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024.
Manish Pandey’s Career Highlights
Manish Pandey has been a steady performer in Indian domestic and international cricket. He gained fame in 2009, becoming the first Indian to score an IPL century with his unbeaten 114 for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 29 | 24 | 566 | 104 | 33.29 | 90.56 | 1/2 |
| T20I | 39 | 33 | 709 | 79 | 44.31 | 126.16 | 0/3 |
| IPL | 171 | 159 | 3850 | 114 | 29.17 | 121.11 | 1/22 |
A Glorious Domestic Career
Pandey made his debut for Karnataka in 2007 and played a crucial role in multiple title victories. His contributions as a middle-order batter and captain earned him respect as a dependable player.
However, his recent performances have seen a decline, leading to his exclusion.
Future Prospects for Manish Pandey
While being excluded from the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy, KSCA chairman J. Abhiram expressed hope for Pandey’s continued involvement in Karnataka cricket in a mentoring or coaching capacity.
“It’s tough to have such conversations, but this is the cycle of cricket. We hope Pandey contributes in a different role.”
Manish Pandey’s IPL Journey
Despite his reduced form in recent years, Pandey remains a notable IPL player. He was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 75 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction, showcasing his enduring value in the franchise circuit.
Manish Pandey’s exclusion from Karnataka’s squad marks the end of an era for one of the state’s most successful cricketers. With his wealth of experience, fans hope to see him contribute to Indian cricket in a new role.
