Manoj S Bhandage

Born in Raichur, Karnataka, Manoj Shivaramsa Bhandage is a batting all-rounder known for his hitting prowess and ability to contribute with the ball in the middle overs.

A homegrown talent, Bhandage displayed glimpses of his talent in the Karnataka Premier League (KPL) in 2018. He fared well with the ball while playing for Bengaluru Blasters and took eight wickets in six innings at an economy of 8.07.

Six months later, the all-rounder made his debut for Karnataka in the T20 format, playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2018-19. 

With his performance being sporadic, Bhandage was losing his way. However, in a big turning point in his career, the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 2022 gave his career a new lease of life. The left-handed batter scored 162 runs in eight innings at a strike-rate of 167.01 in the tournament. His right-arm medium-pace also turned out to be handy enough, resulting in 10 wickets. His performance was instrumental in Gulbarga Mystics’ title-winning campaign.

In November 2022, he made his List-A debut for Karnataka, appearing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) offered him an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract, acquiring his services at INR 20 lakh in the auction for the 2023 season. He is yet to make his IPL debut, though he was found smashing the bowlers left, right and centre in the nets. 

The pocket dynamo upped his strike-rate even further in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 2023 while playing for Mysore Warriors as it skyrocketed to 192.94 with 164 runs in his tally.

In the semi-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023, Bhandage played a valiant hand for his side with the bat, scoring his maiden List-A fifty. He smashed 63 runs off 39 balls; however, despite his theatrics, Rajasthan won the match.

RCB retained him for IPL 2024, and the local boy will look to impress provided he has regular opportunities.

(As of February 2024)