Manish Pandey remains one of the most experienced and stylish top-order batters in the Indian Premier League. Known for being the first Indian to score a century in the IPL, the right-hander continues to feature regularly in the tournament even after 15+ seasons.
Ahead of IPL 2026, Manish Pandey has once again been retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹75 lakh, showing the franchise’s trust in his experience, fitness, and ability to stabilize the middle order. After contributing valuable cameos in IPL 2025, he will now aim for a strong comeback season.
Manish Pandey IPL 2026 – Key Highlights
- Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- IPL 2026 Price: ₹75 lakh
- Role: Right-Handed Batter
- IPL Debut: 2008
- Matches Played: 174
- Total Runs: 3,942
- Highest Score: 114*
- 50s/100s: 22 fifties, 1 century
- Known For: First Indian IPL centurion (2009)
Manish Pandey’s Importance in IPL 2026
KKR retaining Manish Pandey again for IPL 2026 shows how valuable he is as an experienced Indian middle-order batter. His ability to rotate strike, absorb pressure, and play the anchor role makes him a dependable option, especially in tricky run-chases.
Pandey also brings strong fielding skills and is known for saving crucial runs in the inner ring.
Also Read: Abhishek Nayar Appointed as KKR Head Coach for IPL 2026
Manish Pandey IPL Career Overview
With 174 matches and over 3,900 runs, Manish Pandey stands among the longest-serving players in IPL history. His technique, temperament, and consistency have helped him play for franchises like MI, RCB, Pune Warriors, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, and now again KKR.
Career Summary
| Career Stats | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Matches | 174 |
| Runs | 3,942 |
| Highest Score | 114* |
| Average | 29.42 |
| Strike Rate | 121.52 |
| 100s | 1 |
| 50s | 22 |
| Fours | 340 |
| Sixes | 115 |
| Catches | 86 |
Manish Pandey IPL 2025 Performance (Latest Season)
Although he played only a few matches in IPL 2025, he made good impact whenever given opportunities.
| Season | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Avg | S/R | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (KKR) | 3 | 92 | 37 | 46.00 | 141.54 | 0 | 5 | 5 |
Highlights:
- Scored 37(23) vs SRH with clean stroke play.
- Played a confident 36(28) against CSK.
- Showed strong finishing skills with a strike rate above 140.
Manish Pandey IPL Batting Stats Year-by-Year
| Season | Matches | Runs | HS | Avg | S/R | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 92 | 37 | 46.00 | 141.54 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 | 42 | 42 | 42.00 | 135.48 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 10 | 160 | 50 | 17.78 | 109.59 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | 6 | 88 | 38 | 14.67 | 110.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 8 | 292 | 69* | 48.66 | 123.72 | 0 | 3 |
| 2020 | 16 | 425 | 83* | 32.69 | 127.62 | 0 | 3 |
| 2019 | 12 | 344 | 83* | 43.00 | 130.79 | 0 | 3 |
| 2018 | 15 | 284 | 62* | 25.81 | 115.44 | 0 | 3 |
| 2017 | 14 | 396 | 81* | 49.50 | 128.57 | 0 | 2 |
| 2016 | 12 | 248 | 52 | 31.00 | 135.51 | 0 | 2 |
| 2015 | 13 | 225 | 40 | 20.45 | 122.28 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 16 | 401 | 94 | 30.84 | 117.94 | 0 | 2 |
| 2013 | 7 | 136 | 66 | 22.66 | 99.27 | 0 | 1 |
| 2012 | 10 | 143 | 80* | 20.42 | 127.67 | 0 | 1 |
| 2011 | 10 | 246 | 59 | 27.33 | 108.37 | 0 | 1 |
| 2010 | 13 | 249 | 42* | 20.75 | 110.17 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | 5 | 168 | 114* | 84.00 | 142.37 | 1 | 0 |
| 2008 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.50 | 33.33 | 0 | 0 |
Manish Pandey IPL Fielding Stats
| Category | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Total Catches | 86 |
| Stumping | 0 |
Pandey is known for his athletic fielding, especially at point and cover.
Manish Pandey IPL Bowling Stats
Pandey has never bowled in his IPL career and has 0 wickets.
Manish Pandey IPL Auction Price History
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ₹11.00 Cr | SRH |
| 2019 | ₹11.00 Cr | SRH |
| 2020 | ₹11.00 Cr | SRH |
| 2021 | ₹11.00 Cr | SRH |
| 2022 | ₹4.60 Cr | Lucknow |
| 2023 | ₹2.40 Cr | DC |
| 2024 | ₹50 Lac | KKR |
| 2025 | ₹75 Lac | KKR |
| 2026 | ₹75 Lac (Retained) | KKR |
KKR clearly see him as a valuable experienced Indian batter for the middle order.
Manish Pandey’s Last 10 IPL Innings
| No. | Match | Runs (Balls) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs SRH | 37 (23) |
| 2 | vs CSK | 36 (28) |
| 3 | vs MI | 19 (14) |
| 4 | vs MI | 42 (31) |
| 5 | vs DC | 0 (3) |
| 6 | vs CSK | 27 (29) |
| 7 | vs DC | 0 (0) |
| 8 | vs GT | 1 (4) |
| 9 | vs DC | 1 (3) |
| 10 | vs SRH | 34 (27) |
Manish Pandey’s Role in IPL 2026
- Will act as an experienced Indian backbone in the KKR batting lineup.
- Ideal for No. 3 or No. 4 role to stabilize the innings.
-Adds value as a safe fielder in pressure moments. - Expected to guide young KKR batters through his experience.
See Also: Complete IPL 2026 Retention Players List
Conclusion
Manish Pandey enters IPL 2026 with renewed confidence and a stable role at Kolkata Knight Riders. With 3,900+ IPL runs and the historic tag of being the first Indian IPL centurion, he remains one of the most respected names in the league.
KKR retaining him for ₹75 lakh shows the trust they have in his ability to contribute both with experience and performance. As he looks forward to IPL 2026, the franchise will hope he delivers the consistency he is known for.
