Manish Pandey is back in the spotlight as the former Karnataka skipper lands a spot on the 34‑member list of players pencilled in for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The squad, announced on Tuesday, is set to face the tournament’s first match on November 14 in Mysuru. Pandey’s name follows a stretch of inactivity that began after he last featured in the IPL against Delhi Capitals in May.
While the state’s top‑order looks to have a new face, the big news is also that the 33‑year‑old Hanuma Vihari will not be available for the Ranji campaign, adding a layer of intrigue to the team’s upcoming matches.
Karnataka’s coaching staff are optimistic that Pandey’s experience will give the side a strategic edge, especially as they gear up for the tournament’s opening fixtures. The next test will be the first group match on November 14, where the skipper’s presence will be felt from the outset.