Not much I am looking for from Maharaja Trophy except trophy, boasts Mysore Warriors' Manish Pandey

16 years after breaking into the national conscious as the first Indian to score a century in the Indian Premier League on a famous night in centurion, Karnataka batter Manish Pandey continues to grind his way through the domestic circuit as he approaches the back end of his career. The 35-year-old has managed to consistently stay part of the league through the years even as his number of games per season have dwindled, with just three appearances for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2025. However, with the Maharaja Trophy comes another chance for Pandey to prove he still has it to keep going at the highest level.

Pandey was signed by Mysore Warriors at the auction after being let go by Hubli Tigers following a fruitful three-year association, including a championship run in 2023. However, the batter's form severely dipped in the latest season but Mysore chose to place faith in him, getting Pandey on board for a second stint following his time with the team from 2014/15 to 2016/17 that had seen the team lift the title in its very first year.

"In 2014, we won the championship. I think that is my best record for Mysore and I’ll stick to that," Pandey revealed to Sportscafe.

"It is a new bonus and a new challenge [returning to Mysore Warriors]. However many games I am going to play here, my whole intent is going to be to win those games, help the team, and win the championship. That is all we are here for and that is how I’ve always played my cricket too," he added.

Pandey had a less than impressive Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign in 2024, managing a high score of 42 across five games. With subpar Ranji Trophy and IPL campaigns to go with it, the Maharaja Trophy could prove to be the perfect platform for the star batter to return to form. However, Pandey insisted he is only focused on lifting the trophy while sharing his experience with the other guys in the dressing room.

"Personally, what I want from this tournament is the trophy, that’s all I am looking at honestly. There are a couple of youngsters, there are people who are on brink and trying to get into the Ranji Trophy side. For me personally, because I have been a part of so many tournaments and so many leagues here, I just want to win the championship. It will be another tick mark on my resume. My whole idea is to help the younger boys and the seniors, whoever needs it to become their best cricketing versions. There is not much I am looking forward to except the championship," he said.

When Pandey made his IPL and Karnataka debut, the T20 format was in its infancy and his state was yet to become the first to organize a domestic league featuring teams from across the region. The likes of UPT20, Delhi Premier League, Andhra Premier League, Tamil Nadu Premier League, and Kerala Cricket League have cropped up since, providing youngsters a pathway to their state sides and Pandey believes the best way to catch attention is go on a title run.

"I honestly think we have a great side. It is just about everybody having a common energy towards winning the championship. When that happens, you have four to five guys from the team who will definitely step up to the next level, which is to play for Karnataka obviously. That should be the primary goal for the youngsters and I hope everybody is willing to do that," he said.

Pandey was named stand-in captain on the eve of the tournament after Karun Nair was revealed to miss the first half through injury. Even with the defence of the crown at stake, Pandey appeared unfettered with the extra responsibility.

"Because we have done that for so many years , it does not really make a difference. We just wanna come out here, play good cricket, and win every game that is possible. There are going to be times when we are tested on the cricket field and I am pretty sure all the boys are ready for it," Pandey calmly stated.

Nair will also feature alongside Pandey once the domestic season begins, having returned to Karnataka following an unprecedented successful run with Vidarbha. The former failed to make the Ranji Trophy knockouts for the first time in a decade last season and Pandey his hopeful Nair's recent form will help elevate the team to another level.

"I am pretty sure Karnataka have their plans sorted out, they are looking for players who are willing to give their best. Happy to have Karun, if that’s his plan to come back to Karnataka, I wish him luck and hope he delivers here as well because he has had a fantastic couple of years. I want him to continue his form here also. Personally he is in a good mindset and I hope it continues to be like that," Pandey concluded.