Manoj Bhandage IPL Stats, Price, Runs, Age, Century, Debut, Team

Manoj Bhandage is one of the exciting Indian all-rounders to come through the Karnataka domestic system and into the Indian Premier League. A left-handed lower-order batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler, Bhandage earned his IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru after consistent performances in domestic cricket. This article covers Manoj Bhandage’s IPL stats, auction price, age, runs, debut, teams, and career journey in detail.

Manoj Bhandage Profile and Early Career

Manoj Bhandage was born on 5 October 1998 in Karnataka, India. He came up through the age-group ranks in Karnataka cricket, where his ability to bowl disciplined medium pace and strike the ball hard down the order marked him as a genuine all-rounder.

Before his IPL breakthrough, Bhandage represented Karnataka in domestic competitions including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His performances as a finisher with the bat and a dependable option with the ball in T20 cricket caught the attention of IPL scouts, particularly after strong showings in domestic T20 tournaments where he regularly bowled at the death and contributed quick cameos.

His domestic record shows a cricketer comfortable in both disciplines. As a right-arm medium-fast bowler, he relies on accuracy, change of pace, and smart use of the crease rather than raw speed. With the bat, his left-handed hitting in the lower middle order gives his side late-innings impetus.

Manoj Bhandage IPL Debut and Teams

Manoj Bhandage made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. RCB picked him up in the IPL 2023 auction at his base price of INR 20 lakh, a reward for his domestic form and a sign of the franchise’s interest in developing Indian all-round options.

Bhandage was retained by RCB for the IPL 2024 season as well, continuing his association with the franchise. Playing for a star-studded RCB side, opportunities in the playing XI have been limited, but his presence in the squad reflects the team management’s belief in his long-term potential.

His IPL journey so far is that of a young squad player learning from senior internationals while waiting for sustained chances in the XI.

Manoj Bhandage IPL Auction Price and Salary

Manoj Bhandage entered the IPL at his base price of INR 20 lakh in the 2023 mega-auction pool. His retention by RCB for the following season at the same price kept him in the league while he continued to develop in domestic cricket.

For a young domestic all-rounder, the IPL contract also brought match fees, exposure to world-class coaching, and the chance to train alongside international stars — value that goes well beyond the auction figure.

Manoj Bhandage IPL Career Stats

Bhandage’s IPL career is still in its early stages. He has played a handful of matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, used mainly as a squad option and occasional bowling change. His role in the side has been that of a lower-order hitter and a support seamer.

Note: exact match-by-match figures for squad players can vary with official updates; the table reflects his early-career appearances.

His best moments in RCB colours have come in brief cameos — a couple of lusty hits down the order and tidy overs in the middle phase. With more game time, his all-round numbers are expected to grow.

Manoj Bhandage Batting in the IPL

As a left-handed batsman, Bhandage typically slots into the lower middle order. His batting in the IPL so far has been limited to short stays at the crease, usually in the final overs where his job is to find boundaries quickly.

His domestic T20 strike rate suggests he can clear the ropes, and RCB’s think-tank values him as a potential finisher. In the matches he has played, he has shown a willingness to take on the bowling from ball one, an essential trait for a lower-order hitter in the IPL.

He is yet to register a half-century in the IPL, which is unsurprising given his batting position and limited opportunities. His highest IPL score remains a modest cameo, but the intent has been visible.

Manoj Bhandage Bowling in the IPL

Bhandage bowls right-arm medium-fast and is generally used as a change bowler. His strengths are a repeatable action, good control of line, and the ability to bowl cutters and slower balls at the death.

In his limited IPL outings, he has bowled in the middle overs, tasked with keeping the scoring rate in check. His economy rate has been reasonable for a young bowler finding his feet at the highest level.

Coaches at RCB have worked with him on developing variations — the slower bouncer and the wide yorker — to make him a more complete T20 bowling option.

Manoj Bhandage Fielding and All-Round Value

Modern IPL franchises prize cricketers who contribute in all three departments, and Bhandage fits that template. He is an athletic fielder, usually stationed in the deep or in the inner circle where his strong arm is an asset.

His all-round package — medium pace, lower-order hitting, and sharp fielding — is exactly the profile teams want from Indian domestic players, because it gives the XI flexibility without using an overseas slot.

Domestic Career Behind the IPL Contract

Bhandage’s IPL opportunity was built on solid domestic numbers. For Karnataka, he has been a regular in the T20 side, contributing with both bat and ball. His domestic T20 record includes useful wicket hauls and several impactful innings in the lower order.

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has been his main shop window. Performances there — tight spells in the powerplay and death, plus quickfire thirties — built the case for his IPL selection. RCB’s scouts have a strong record of identifying Karnataka talent, and Bhandage was a natural fit.

What Next for Manoj Bhandage in the IPL

The path for young Indian all-rounders in the IPL is rarely instant. Players like Bhandage typically spend their first seasons learning, then break through when an injury or a tactical need opens a door.

His future prospects depend on continued domestic performance. If he keeps delivering for Karnataka — particularly as a wicket-taking option who can also finish innings — another IPL contract, whether with RCB or elsewhere, is very likely.

The 2025 season cycle and beyond will be crucial. With franchises always hunting for Indian all-rounders, Bhandage’s age and skill set keep him firmly on the radar.

Manoj Bhandage IPL Records and Milestones

Bhandage is still chasing his first major IPL milestone. His career highlights so far include his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and his first IPL wicket.

Unlike established stars, his records section is a blank slate — which is precisely what makes young players like him interesting to follow. Every appearance is a chance to set a new personal best.

FAQs

What is Manoj Bhandage’s age?

Manoj Bhandage was born on 5 October 1998, which makes him 27 years old.

Which IPL team does Manoj Bhandage play for?

Manoj Bhandage plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL.

What was Manoj Bhandage’s IPL auction price?

Manoj Bhandage was bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 20 lakh in the IPL 2023 auction and retained for 2024.

When did Manoj Bhandage make his IPL debut?

Manoj Bhandage made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2023 season.

Is Manoj Bhandage a batsman or a bowler?

Manoj Bhandage is an all-rounder — a left-handed lower-order batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler.

Has Manoj Bhandage scored a century in the IPL?

No, Manoj Bhandage has not scored a century in the IPL. He bats in the lower order and has had limited opportunities so far.