Seventeen years later, Manish Pandey still shines on IPL's big stage

Seventeen years after lighting up the Indian Premier League with a historic century, Manish Pandey once again reminded everyone why he remains one of the most elegant and dependable batters the tournament has produced. 

On a tense evening at Eden Gardens, when Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) campaign was on the verge of ending, Pandey stepped into the spotlight and delivered an innings soaked in composure.

Thanks to him, KKR are still alive in the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) playoffs race, with a four-wicket victory against Mumbai Indians (MI).

While the foundation for their win was laid by terrific bowling performances of Cameron Green (2/23, 3 overs), Saurabh Dubey (2/34, 4 overs), Kartik Tyagi (2/37, 4 overs) and Sunil Narine (1/13, 4 overs), a brilliant knock under pressure from Manish Pandey (45 off 33) calmed the nerves during KKR's tricky run chase.

Pandey's composure takes KKR home

On a surface where stroke-making was never easy, KKR needed calm more than flair and found their perfect man to deliver it. The 36-year-old absorbed the pressure with the assurance of a player who has seen every shade of the IPL over nearly two decades.

17 years after etching his name in the history books by becoming the first Indian to hit a century in IPL, Pandey made an instant impact batting for the first time in the ongoing season and was adjudged Player of the Match after six years in the tournament.

Since 2024, Pandey has only played a handful of matches in the tournament, with just nine appearances across the last three seasons. In the ongoing edition, despite not getting a chance to bat, the 36-year-old was at his acrobatic best, having taken some spectacular catches in the field.

The love affair with KKR

Pandey’s love affair with KKR dates back to 2014, when he scored a match-winning 94 (50) in the final to help them win their second trophy. He was again a part of their title triumph in 2024 and has been with them since.

The 36-year-old became a household name following his historic century in 2009 against now-defunct Deccan Chargers and seemed destined to reach unprecedented heights in his professional career. However, after some inconsistent seasons in the IPL and a lack of backing at the international level, Pandey’s career could never skyrocket as expected.

After 17 years, Pandey remains a match-winner

Five years after his last appearance for India, he continues to flourish at the tournament that catapulted him into stardom. Despite not having an enviable career, Pandey remains one of the most diligent students of the game, still giving his all for the team.

His match-winning innings against MI was again a timely reminder that experience still matters, temperament still wins matches, and some stories in cricket never truly fade away.