Manish Pandey (KKR): 124 SR Across 4458 Balls Keeps Him Outside the XII
Manish Pandey's career SR of 124 across 4458 batting balls tells a clear story. In modern T20 cricket, that rate is below the standard required for a specialist batter in a contending lineup. His regressed WAR of 0.17 per match and projected 2026 WAR of 0.10 reflect expected age-related regression.
Pandey is not in the optimal XII. With 219 career matches across 17 seasons, he brings experience, but the numbers no longer support a starting role.
Why He is Excluded
KKR's top order is set: Allen and Seifert open, Rahane bats at 3, Tripathi at 4, Raghuvanshi at 5. Pandey's middle-overs SR of 119 is 26 points below the 145 average. His powerplay SR of 112 is 40 points below the 152 average.
| Phase | SR | vs League Avg | Ball Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplay | 112 | vs 152 avg | 26% |
| Middle | 119 | vs 145 avg | 56% |
| Death | 158 | vs 172 avg | 18% |
He faces 56% of his deliveries in the middle overs. At 119 in that phase, he absorbs balls without providing adequate scoring rate. The death-overs SR of 158 is also below average.
His xImpact of 43 and batting WAR of 0.17 are both below the players currently occupying the middle-order spots.
Backup Role
Pandey provides experienced cover for the middle order. If Raghuvanshi or Tripathi are injured or underperforming, Pandey is the most experienced domestic batting option on the bench. His 28% death-overs ball share suggests he can bat deep if required.
What This Means for IPL 2026
Pandey is insurance. His days as a regular starter in IPL cricket appear to be behind him, but his experience and composure make him a valuable presence in the squad. He will likely see action only if injuries or form slumps create opportunities in the middle order.