Manish Pandey goes past MS Dhoni to join Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma for unique IPL feat during SRH vs KKR

Manish Pandey went past MS Dhoni to join Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to become the third cricketer to play at least one match in each of 19 seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pandey's milestone moment came on Sunday when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane named the Karnataka batter in the playing XI for the first time in IPL 2026.

Pandey replaced Ramandeep Singh against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium. Before Pandey, only Rohit (Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians) and Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) had played in all of 19 seasons of IPL. Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) five-time IPL-winning captain Dhoni would have been on the list, but the 44-year-old is yet to play a game in the 2026 season due to a calf strain.

Pandey, who was a part of India's U-19

Pandey has played for six different sides in the IPL but has mostly been associated with KKR. He played for Mumbai Indians in the inaugural season and this was followed by two seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In his first season with RCB, Pandey became the first Indian to score a century in the IPL. However, that remains his only ton in the league.

Pandey then played for the erstwhile Pune Warriors India between 2011 and 2013 after which came four seasons with KKR. Pandey blasted a match-winning knock of 94 in the 2014 final to power KKR to their second title and this led to him becoming a mainstay in their middle order for three seasons. He was then released by KKR after Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired him. He played for SRH for four seasons, which was followed by rather uneventful stints with Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals. Pandey returned to KKR ahead of the 2024 season. However, Sunday’s game against SRH is only his fifth appearance since.