Manoj Bhandage

Manoj Bhandage is a talented cricketer hailing from India who has showcased his skills on the domestic circuit, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Born on July 15, 1992, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Bhandage is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler. With his all-round abilities, he has been a valuable asset to various teams in the IPL, making a name for himself with his consistent performances. This article will provide an in-depth look into Manoj Bhandage's career, including his journey in the IPL and his contributions to the teams he has represented.

Bhandage began his cricketing journey at a young age and soon caught the attention of selectors with his raw talent. His hard work and dedication paid off when he earned a spot in the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad. He made his domestic debut in the 2010-11 season, representing Mumbai in the prestigious tournament. Bhandage's impressive performances in domestic cricket opened the doors for him to showcase his skills in the IPL.

In 2012, Bhandage was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals franchise in the IPL auction. The young all-rounder made his IPL debut against the Pune Warriors India. Although he had limited opportunities in his debut season, Bhandage showed glimpses of his potential with both bat and ball. He scored crucial runs down the order and also bowled economical spells, impressing the team management and fans alike.

The following year, Bhandage's progress was hampered by an injury, which limited his appearances in the IPL. However, he made a strong comeback in the 2014 season, playing a crucial role in the Rajasthan Royals' campaign. Bhandage showcased his batting prowess by scoring quick runs in the middle order and proved to be a reliable death-overs bowler. He played a vital role in helping the team qualify for the playoffs that year.

After spending four seasons with the Rajasthan Royals, Bhandage was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise in the 2016 IPL auction. He played an instrumental role in KKR's success that year, contributing with both bat and ball. Bhandage displayed his ability to hit big shots and played a number of crucial cameos down the order. He also picked up crucial wickets in the middle overs, making him a valuable asset to the team.

In the subsequent seasons, Bhandage continued to impress with his all-round performances. He played a key role in KKR's journey to the playoffs in 2017 and 2018. Bhandage's consistency with the bat and his ability to provide breakthroughs with the ball made him a vital cog in the team's lineup.

Bhandage's performances in the IPL caught the attention of the national selectors, and he earned a call-up to the Indian T20I squad in 2017. Although he is yet to make his international debut, his consistent displays in the IPL have kept him in the reckoning for a national cap.

In the 2020 season, Bhandage was signed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise. He continued to showcase his all-round abilities, playing crucial roles with both bat and ball. Bhandage's big-hitting ability and his knack for picking up wickets in crucial moments made him a valuable player for RCB.

Throughout his IPL career, Bhandage has amassed impressive numbers. He has scored over 1,000 runs and taken more than 50 wickets in the tournament. His batting strike rate of over 130 and bowling economy rate of under 8 demonstrate his effectiveness in both disciplines of the game.

Off the field:

Bhandage is known for his humble and down-to-earth nature.