Nainital-born cricketer Manish Pandey, a name synonymous with elegant stroke play and sharp fielding, celebrates his 37th birthday today, September 10, 2026. The right-handed batsman, who currently represents Karnataka in domestic cricket and the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, has carved a niche for himself through a career dotted with significant milestones, including a historic first in the world's premier T20 league. 47-Year-Old Imran Tahir Becomes Oldest Player To Pick T20 Five-Wicket Haul, Achieves Feat During CPL 2026 Match.

The IPL Trailblazer

Pandey etched his name into IPL history on May 21, 2009, while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore against the now-defunct Deccan Chargers. Opening the innings, a then 19-year-old Pandey smashed an unbeaten 114 runs off just 73 balls, adorned with 10 boundaries and 4 sixes, becoming the first Indian batsman to score a century in the tournament's history. This pivotal knock, played in Centurion, South Africa, not only announced his arrival on a grand stage but also helped RCB secure a crucial victory.

Domestic and International Stints

A consistent performer for Karnataka in the domestic circuit, Pandey has been a prolific run-scorer across formats. His leadership qualities were also recognized when he was named captain of the Karnataka team in the 2021 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

His impressive domestic form eventually paved the way for international recognition. Pandey made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India against Zimbabwe on July 14, 2015, followed by his T20 International debut against the same opponent on July 17, 2015. A highlight of his international career came in January 2016 when he scored his maiden ODI century (104* against Australia in Sydney), guiding India to a thrilling victory. He was also part of the Indian squad that lifted the 2018 Asia Cup.

IPL Journey and Achievements

Manish Pandey's IPL journey has seen him play for several franchises. After his memorable stint with RCB, he moved to Pune Warriors India before joining the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014. It was with KKR that he experienced significant team success, playing a match-winning innings of 94 in the 2014 IPL final against Kings XI Punjab, contributing to KKR's title win. He has since played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Delhi Capitals, before returning to Kolkata Knight Riders for the 2024 season. CPL 2026: Ball-Boy's Splendid One-Handed Catch Near Boundary-Line Goes Viral.

Manish Pandey's IPL Performance Overview (as of 2026):

Matches	Runs	Highest Score	Average	100s	50s
180	4012	114*	29.50	1	22

As Manish Pandey celebrates another year, his legacy as a pioneering IPL centurion and a reliable middle-order batsman for both state and country remains firmly established. His journey continues to inspire aspiring cricketers across the nation.