Manish Pandey Becomes Third Player To Feature In Every IPL 2026 Season

Kolkata Knight Riders batter Manish Pandey created a rare milestone in the Indian Premier League by becoming only the third player in history to feature in at least one match in every single IPL season since the tournament’s inception, during his side’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday.

The veteran batter was included in the Kolkata Knight Riders playing XI for their IPL 2026 encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, marking another chapter in his long-standing presence in the league. His achievement places him in an elite group alongside Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom have featured in every IPL season since the league began.

While Kohli has achieved the feat while representing a single franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rohit Sharma began his IPL journey with Deccan Chargers before becoming a long-time leader of Mumbai Indians. Pandey, meanwhile, has built a journeyman career across multiple teams, having played for franchises including Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Pune Warriors, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Delhi Capitals, before continuing with Kolkata Knight Riders.

Also Read: Vinesh Phogat Alleges She Was Among Six Harassed By Brij Bhushan

The milestone highlights Pandey’s longevity and adaptability in a highly competitive league where team compositions change frequently. Despite fluctuations in form and shifting franchise roles, his continued presence across seasons reflects consistency and value as a seasoned middle-order option.

The match itself saw Sunrisers Hyderabad opting to bat first after winning the toss. SRH skipper Pat Cummins said the pitch looked ideal for batting and hinted at a high-scoring contest, noting his team’s aggressive approach this season and their consistency in posting big totals.Hyderabad have been one of the standout teams in IPL 2026, winning six of their nine matches and sitting third on the points table with 12 points. Their campaign has been defined by strong batting performances and a positive intent that has seen them regularly breach the 200-run mark.

In contrast, Kolkata Knight Riders have endured a difficult season under captain Ajinkya Rahane. The team has managed just two wins from eight matches, along with one no-result, leaving them in a challenging position in the standings despite a recent mini-recovery in form. With SRH pushing for a playoff berth and KKR fighting to stay alive in the tournament, the encounter carried significant weight for both sides. Pandey’s historic appearance added a notable individual milestone to an already high-stakes contest in Hyderabad.

Also Read: SRH vs KKR, IPL 2026: Tyagi Dismisses Abhishek Sharma After Quick Runs