15 Interesting facts about Manish Pandey that you should know

15 Interesting facts about Manish Pandey that you should know: There are knocks which change the careers of players and the perceptions of those around. And Manish Pandey will always be remembered as the first Indian to score a century in the IPL. In one night, Pandey went from being Karnataka’s next big Ranji hope to entering the record books. Life after that hasn’t been exactly smooth for the right-hander as he witnessed mixed run of form in the domestic circuit. Having performed well in India’s tour of Zimbabwe proved that he has the potential to succeed at the highest level.

Today we list 15 Interesting facts about Manish Pandey that you should know:

1. Loyalty to Karnataka:

Born in Nainital, Manish Pandey came to Bangalore with his family at 15. His father was with The Indian Army. When his father was transferred to Rajasthan a few years later, Manish decided to stay back to pursue a career in cricket.

2. The early years:

Pandey started playing cricket when he was in the third grade. His coach, Mr.Satish who trained him from childhood till he joined KSCA, was a former coach of Karnataka, Haryana and Odisha.

3. Almost in the Army:

In his early days, Manish Pandey had made up his mind to join The Army if a career in cricket did not materialise. Following the historic IPL hundred, however, Manish could pursue a career in cricket.

4. The first big break:

A technically sound middle order batman Manish started his journey in cricket by representing Mysore in a state level tournament. But the first big break came when he was chosen to play for the India Under19 team in the 2008 World Cup held in Malaysia.

5. First Indian to score an IPL hundred:

Pandey shot into the limelight when he became the first Indian player to score a century in the IPL, smashing an unbeaten 114 off 73 deliveries against Deccan Chargers to propel Bangalore into the semi-finals of the 2009 tournament.

6. A great Ranji season:

Pandey proved that his IPL exploits were no flash in the pan, and that he had the stomach for larger battles too, ending up as the top run-getter in the Ranji season during 2009-10 with 882 runs that included four 100s and five 50s.

7. A knock in vain:

Pandey had a heartbreaking end to the 2009-10 season, when he almost took Karnataka to victory over Mumbai in the finals of the Ranji Trophy. However, his excellent 144 in the fourth innings was not enough as Karnataka fell short by 6 runs.

8. A chance missed:

He was picked in the Board President’s XI to play against South Africa in early 2010, and scored a pleasing 43, but fell when he looked good for more.

9. The IPL shuffles:

After turning out for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first three seasons of the IPL, Pandey was signed by the Pune Warriors prior to IPL 2011.

10. KKR notice his exploits:

He has been a regular in the domestic circuit and has done fairly well. In the 2013-14 Ranji season though, Pandey was on song, and became the second highest run-getter for his side Karnataka. His exploits got him an IPL contract with Kolkata as the franchise bought him at the 2014 auctions.

11. For the big occasion:

He was the man of match in the finals of IPL 7 (2014) with a match winning innings of 94 for Kolkata Knight Riders against Kings XI Punjab. This was after the Kings had made a huge score of 200.

12. International debut:

Pandey made a successful ODI debut on India’s tour to Zimbabwe in 2015 making 71 runs and being involved in a 144 run partnership with Kedar Jadhav after joining him when India were 82 for 4.

13. Class, Talent and What not?:

Pandey is a naturally gifted batsman. While his batting is more about timing and picking out gaps, he can also hit big sixes if needed. His trademark shot is the sweep-flick, which he uses to good effect to pierce the infield when spinners are operating.

14. Role model:

Pandey’s role model is Rahul Dravid, and the youngster has gone on record saying that he feels much indebted and inspired by the senior batsman. Pandey’s batting though, contains more flourish than his idol’s.

15. KPL: 

Manish represents the Mysuru Warriors in the Karnataka Premier League and led them to their title win in the 2014 season.