Manish Pandey becomes third cricketer to play in all 19 IPL seasons

Key facts

• Manish Pandey played his first match of IPL 2026 on May 3 for KKR against SRH.
• He is the third cricketer after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to feature in all 19 IPL seasons.
• Pandey scored the first century by an Indian in IPL history in 2009, an unbeaten 114 for RCB.
• He has represented seven franchises: MI, RCB, Pune Warriors, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC.
• Pandey has scored 3,942 runs in 175 IPL matches at a strike rate of 121.51.
• MS Dhoni missed the milestone due to a calf strain, yet to play in IPL 2026.
• KKR have won only 2 of 8 matches in IPL 2026, while SRH have 6 wins from 9.

A milestone born of persistence

Manish Pandey walked onto the field at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday as a Kolkata Knight Rider, but his presence carried the weight of 19 seasons. The 37-year-old became only the third cricketer in Indian Premier League history to play at least one match in every edition of the tournament, joining Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Pandey replaced Ramandeep Singh in the playing XI for KKR's encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad, his first appearance of the 2026 campaign. The milestone, long anticipated, was sealed when captain Ajinkya Rahane handed him the cap before the toss.

A nomadic journey across seven franchises

Unlike Kohli, who has spent his entire IPL career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, or Rohit, who moved from Deccan Chargers to Mumbai Indians, Pandey's path has been notably itinerant. He began with Mumbai Indians in 2008, fresh from India's Under-19 World Cup triumph, then moved to RCB for two seasons. From there he joined the now-defunct Pune Warriors India for three years, followed by four seasons with KKR, then stints with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Delhi Capitals before returning to KKR in 2024. Each franchise change brought new challenges, yet Pandey remained a constant presence in the league.

The first Indian to score an IPL century

Pandey's place in IPL history was secured early. In 2009, at the age of 19, he smashed an unbeaten 114 off 73 balls for RCB against the Deccan Chargers, becoming the first Indian batter to score a century in the tournament. That innings remains his only IPL hundred. His career tally stands at 3,942 runs from 175 matches, with 22 half-centuries and a strike rate of 121.51. His most productive seasons came in 2014, when he scored 401 runs for KKR, and 2020, when he amassed 425 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

A late-season return for KKR

Pandey's inclusion came at a critical juncture for Kolkata Knight Riders. The team has struggled in IPL 2026, managing only two wins from eight matches with one no-result, leaving them near the bottom of the standings. Rahane acknowledged the need to seize small moments in the format. "We wanted to bat first as well," Rahane said at the toss. "Those breaks so far really helped us as a team, re-coupling and thinking about the things which we did right and the improvement point of view." He added that Pandey's experience could prove valuable as KKR attempts to build momentum.

SRH's dominant form and playoff push

Sunrisers Hyderabad entered the match with considerable momentum, having won six of their nine games to sit third in the points table with 12 points. Captain Pat Cummins opted to bat first, citing a pitch that looked conducive to high scoring despite the heat. "The young guys have come in and been fantastic," Cummins said. "A lot of the stalwarts have really hit their stride. We've got over 220 all but one game. Everyone's found their rhythm, playing that style that we want, which is really positive." A victory would strengthen SRH's already strong playoff prospects.

Reflections on a 19-year journey

Speaking in a video released by KKR, Pandey described his IPL career as a blur. "It's been a great journey for me — 19 years and 19th year going on right now," he said. "Started with MI in the first year after the U19 World Cup. It feels like it has all just passed in a flash." He credited his longevity to passion for the game. "It's purely here because of the passion and the love for the game," he added. "This game has taught us a lot. Obviously, this tournament has taught us a lot and we are continuously evolving with it."

What Pandey's feat says about IPL endurance

Pandey's achievement underscores the rare combination of skill, fitness, and opportunity required to survive two decades in a league known for its churn. Only three players have managed it: Kohli, Rohit, and now Pandey. MS Dhoni, a five-time champion, would have joined them but for a calf strain that has kept him sidelined in 2026. For KKR, Pandey's return may be a small step in a difficult season, but for the player himself, it represents a quiet triumph of consistency. As he put it, "Hopefully, we learn a lot more."

The bottom line

• Manish Pandey is the third player to appear in all 19 IPL seasons, after Kohli and Rohit.
• He scored the first IPL century by an Indian in 2009, at age 19.
• Pandey has played for seven franchises, reflecting a nomadic but enduring career.
• His 3,942 IPL runs include 22 fifties and a strike rate above 121.
• KKR have won only 2 of 8 matches in 2026; SRH have 6 wins and sit third.
• MS Dhoni missed the milestone due to injury, remaining stuck on 18 seasons.