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Manish Pandey (Cricketer) Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 6, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth10 September 1989

Age35 Years

BirthplaceNainital, Uttarakhand

ProfessionCricketer (Batsman)

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseAshrita Shetty

FamilyFather - G. S. Pandey; Mother - Tara Pandey; Sister - Anita Pandey

Manish Pandey (Cricketer) Biography

Right-handed Indian batsman Manish Pandey rose through junior ranks to become the first Indian to score an IPL century. A consistent domestic performer and

Early life and background

Manish Pandey was born on 10 September 1989 in Nainital, Uttarakhand. He grew up in an army family; his father served in the Indian Army. Pandey moved to Bengaluru with his family during his mid-teens and stayed on there to pursue cricket. He attended Kendriya Vidyalaya ASC Centre in Bengaluru and later studied at Jain University.

Pandey began playing cricket at a young age, entering the game formally while in the third standard. He has said that, like his father, he once considered following a military path, but ultimately focused on cricket. His listed physical profile includes a height of approximately 173 cm (5'8"), with black hair and black eyes.

Career

Pandey made early impressions as a youth player, earning selection to India’s Under-19 side that won the 2008 U-19 World Cup in Malaysia. He debuted in the Indian Premier League on 29 April 2008 and within the following season produced the landmark moment that raised his profile nationally: playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2009 IPL semi-final, he became the first Indian to score an IPL century, compiling 114 from 73 balls against Deccan Chargers.

He established himself in domestic first-class cricket as well. In the 2009–10 Ranji Trophy Pandey finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 882 runs, including multiple centuries and fifties. He has represented Karnataka at the state level and has been involved in the Karnataka Premier League, leading the Mysuru Warriors to the KPL title in 2014.

Manish’s IPL journey has included notable performances for multiple franchises. He has been a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders, including a near-match-winning 94 in the 2014 IPL final that earned him the Man of the Match award. He has worn jersey number 51 in IPL competition. On 19 December 2023 he was picked up again by Kolkata Knight Riders at the IPL 2024 auction.

On the international stage Pandey made his One Day International debut for India on 14 July 2015 against Zimbabwe in Harare, scoring 71 and contributing to a crucial fifth-wicket partnership. He made his T20 international debut three days later, and on 6 September 2017 he recorded his first international T20 fifty in a partnership with Virat Kohli against Sri Lanka; that stand produced 119 runs for the third wicket and set a record for T20 internationals at the time.

Style and influences

A right-handed batsman who also bowls right-arm medium, Pandey is known for an inventive shot that blends a sweep with a flick — described as a half-sweep-half-flick. He has cited batsmen such as Rahul Dravid and AB de Villiers among his batting influences, and names Morne Morkel as a bowler he admires.

Public profile

Pandey is married to model and actress Ashrita Shetty; the couple married on 2 December 2019. He is identified as being from a Hindu background. Off the field he enjoys music and adventure sports, and lists foods such as prawns, chicken biryani, masala puri and pani puri among his preferences. He has tattoos, including a tribal design on his upper back and a Maori-inspired tattoo on his left shoulder.

Latest updates

In the IPL player auction held in Dubai on 19 December 2023, Pandey was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a reported fee of Rs. 50 lakh, returning him to the KKR squad for the 2024 season. He continues to represent Karnataka in domestic cricket and remains a recognized figure in Indian limited-overs cricket for his match-winning innings and landmark achievements.
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Recent Work

Picked by Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024 Auction

Bought by Kolkata Knight Riders at the IPL auction held in Dubai on 19 December 2023 for Rs. 50 lakh.

2023
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Career Highlights

  1. First Indian player to score an IPL century (114 off 73 in 2009 IPL semi-final for Royal Challengers Bangalore)
  2. Top run-scorer in the 2009–10 Ranji Trophy with 882 runs
  3. Man of the Match in the 2014 IPL final for a score of 94 for Kolkata Knight Riders
  4. Member of India’s U-19 World Cup winning side in 2008
  5. Scored 71 on ODI debut for India on 14 July 2015
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Manish Pandey (Cricketer) born?

10 September 1989

What is Manish Pandey (Cricketer) known for?

Cricketer (Batsman)

What is Manish Pandey (Cricketer)’s marital status?

Married

Who is Manish Pandey (Cricketer) married to?

Ashrita Shetty