'It all went by in a flash': Manish Pandey opens up on his 19-year IPL journey
Manish Pandey, a constant in the IPL since 2008, reflects on his 19-year journey, calling it a 'flash'. He's set for IPL 2026 with KKR, cherishing his maiden century and the tournament's evolution. Pandey highlights the IPL's role in talent development and his own career, citing a match-winning knock in the 2014 final as pivotal.
Indian batter Manish Pandey, one of only four players to have featured in every edition of the Indian Premier League since its start in 2008, describes his 19-year IPL journey as having “flown by in a flash. ” — IPL (@IPL) Pandey will don the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) jersey in IPL 2026, as the three-time champions face five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium. Across 174 IPL matches, Pandey has scored 3,942 runs at a strike rate of 121.
52. “It's been an incredible journey for me – 19 years, and now going into my 19th season. I started with MI in the very first year after the U19 World Cup.
That was a special memory, but honestly, it all feels like it just passed in a moment. From 2008 to now, 2026, it’s been a lot,” Pandey said in a video released by the IPL on Sunday. He added, “Overall, it’s been a fantastic experience.
I’m glad to be among those few players who’ve been part of every IPL, and I always try to do justice to myself and the game. I’m here purely for the passion and love of cricket. ” Reflecting on his landmark century for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2009, Pandey said, “Absolutely.