Manish Pandey: An IPL Milestone
Okay, so you know Manish Pandey, right? The IPL veteran? Well, on March 31st, 2025, he made history. Playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders against the Mumbai Indians, he became only the fourth player to ever feature in every single IPL season since the very beginning. He joined an incredibly elite club – MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. Pretty incredible, huh? It’s a seriously impressive feat, even if his personal performance that day wasn't exactly a highlight reel. He only managed 19 runs before Ashwani Kumar, a debutant bowler, sent him packing.
Pandey’s Long and Winding IPL Road
Pandey’s journey started way back in 2008 with the Mumbai Indians. Since then, he's bounced around a few franchises, showing some real adaptability and sticking power. He really burst onto the scene in 2009 with Royal Challengers Bangalore, becoming the first Indian to ever smash an IPL century. Remember his 94 runs in the 2014 IPL final for KKR that helped them win the title? His contributions have varied over the years – some games amazing, others… less so – but honestly, playing 18 seasons? That alone speaks volumes about his skill and staying power in the league.
A Debut to Remember
While Pandey’s achievement was huge, the match itself was all about Mumbai’s rookie left-arm seamer, Ashwani Kumar. His first-ever IPL game? A four-wicket haul for just 24 runs in three overs! Seriously? Who saw that coming? He totally stole the show, winning Player of the Match and making a name for himself instantly. He was on fire, clean bowling key players like Pandey and Andre Russell. It was a masterclass. KKR's total of 116 was never going to be enough, and MI cruised to an 8-wicket victory.
What’s Next?
Manish Pandey's place in IPL history is cemented. Eighteen seasons? That's a record few will ever touch. This particular match might not have been his best, but his overall contribution is undeniable. As for Ashwani Kumar? Well, his debut has definitely got everyone talking. It’s a reminder of the IPL’s incredible ability to constantly unearth and nurture fresh talent. The future’s looking bright, both for him, and for the next generation of cricket stars.
