Veteran KKR Batter Dropped from Domestic Squad Despite Being Vice-Captain in Ranji Trophy

KKR's veteran bater, Manish Pandey, a veteran Indian cricketer and an integral part of Karnataka's cricketing setup for over a decade, has been excluded from the state's probables list for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This move marks a significant turning point in Pandey's illustrious career, which has seen both domestic and international successes.

Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) men's selection committee chairman J. Abhiram confirmed the decision to Sportstar, emphasizing the need to provide opportunities to emerging talents.

"Manish has had a fantastic career, but it's time for youngsters like Prakhar Chaturvedi, Aneeshwar Gautam, and K.V. Aneesh to step up," Abhiram told Sportstar. Pandey will also not feature in the second leg of the ongoing Ranji Trophy, signaling a definitive shift in Karnataka's approach toward rebuilding its squad.

Pandey, who first gained prominence with his unbeaten 114 for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009, becoming the first Indian to score an IPL century, has had a storied journey. However, his career trajectory has faced challenges recently. In the IPL 2025 mega auction, he was sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹75 lakh after going unsold in the initial round. While this marked a ₹25 lakh increase from the previous season, it pales in comparison to the ₹11 crore he fetched in 2018 when Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired him.

Over the years, Pandey has been a cornerstone of Karnataka's domestic success, having made his debut in 2007. As a steady middle-order batter, he contributed to multiple title wins, displaying resilience and versatility across formats. Pandey's international career includes 29 ODIs and 39 T20Is, with standout moments such as his unbeaten 104 against Australia in 2016, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Acknowledging the decision, Abhiram expressed hope that Pandey would continue to contribute to Karnataka cricket in a different capacity, potentially as a mentor or coach. "It's tough to have such conversations, but this is the cycle of cricket," he said.

For Pandey, this development marks the end of an era as an active player for Karnataka. However, his journey in Indian cricket, characterized by remarkable highs and recent struggles, remains a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport.