Ajay Mandal

Ajay Mandal

Role: All-Rounder
DOB: 25 February 1996
IPL Team (2026): Unsold
Base Price: INR 20 Lakh

The Story of Ajay Mandal

Ajay Mandal, a name synonymous with consistent domestic performances for Chhattisgarh, is a classic left-arm orthodox spinner who can also wield the willow effectively down the order. Born on February 25, 1996, Mandal honed his craft in the challenging Indian domestic circuit, steadily building a reputation as a reliable all-rounder. His journey to the IPL spotlight was a testament to his perseverance and skill, particularly his ability to pick up crucial wickets and contribute with the bat when his team needed it most.

Mandal’s breakthrough moments often came in the longer format, where he consistently topped wicket-taking charts for his state. However, it was his adaptability to the T20 format – maintaining a tight economy while also being able to clear the ropes – that caught the eye of IPL scouts. His left-arm spin offers a valuable variation, especially against right-handed heavy batting line-ups, and his calm demeanor under pressure makes him a valuable asset in crunch situations. While his IPL debut remains elusive, his domestic exploits paint a picture of a player ready to make an impact.

His selection by Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023 auction for his base price of INR 20 Lakh was a significant milestone, recognizing his potential to be a utility player. Though he didn’t get a chance to don the yellow jersey on the field, being part of a championship-winning squad provided invaluable experience. Mandal’s playing style is characterized by his disciplined line and length with the ball, often stifling batsmen for runs, and his fearless approach with the bat, capable of hitting quick boundaries and sixes to accelerate the innings.

IPL Journey: Team by Team

Ajay Mandal’s IPL journey, while yet to feature an on-field appearance, began with a significant moment at the IPL 2023 auction. He was picked up by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for his base price of INR 20 Lakh. This acquisition highlighted CSK’s strategy of investing in promising domestic all-rounders who could provide depth to their squad. Mandal remained with CSK for the 2023 season, where the team went on to lift the trophy, offering him a first-hand experience of an IPL winning environment.

CSK retained Ajay Mandal for the IPL 2024 season, further indicating their belief in his potential and the value he brought to the squad dynamics, even if he wasn’t part of the playing XI. Despite being a consistent presence in the squad, Mandal did not get an opportunity to make his IPL debut in either 2023 or 2024. Ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, CSK released Mandal, making him available for other franchises. As of the IPL 2026 season, Ajay Mandal remains unsold, awaiting his chance to finally step onto the IPL field and showcase his all-round capabilities.

What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective

From a betting perspective, Ajay Mandal represents a classic “dark horse” or “value pick” if he ever gets an IPL opportunity. His primary strength lies in his left-arm orthodox spin, which is often a sought-after commodity in T20 cricket. He bowls with excellent control, consistently maintaining an economy rate under 7 in domestic T20s, making him a strong candidate for “Economical Bowler” prop bets if he were to play. His ability to bowl in the powerplay or middle overs, tying down batsmen, is a significant asset.

Furthermore, Mandal is a more than capable left-handed batsman, known for his ability to score quick runs down the order. This dual threat makes him an interesting prospect for “Player Performance” bets, where he could contribute with both bat and ball. He thrives on pitches that offer even a slight turn, making him a potential impact player on spin-friendly Indian tracks. His domestic consistency suggests he has the temperament for high-pressure situations.

However, the current challenge for bettors is his lack of IPL match experience. Without a track record in the league, betting on Mandal involves higher risk. If he were to be picked up by a franchise and given a chance, look for opportunities when his team is playing on slower, turning pitches. Bet on him for economical spells rather than massive wicket hauls initially, and consider his batting contributions as a bonus. His current status as unsold for IPL 2026 means he’s off the betting radar for now, but any future selection could make him an intriguing proposition for those looking for undervalued talent.

Key Records & Milestones

• First IPL Contract: Signed by Chennai Super Kings for INR 20 Lakh in IPL 2023, marking his entry into the league.
• Domestic Consistency: A consistent top performer for Chhattisgarh, notably being the leading wicket-taker in the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy with 33 wickets.
• All-Round Prowess: One of the few domestic players with a strong record in both batting and bowling across all formats, making him a genuine all-rounder.
• Part of a Winning Squad: Member of the Chennai Super Kings squad that won the IPL 2023 title, gaining invaluable experience despite not playing.

IPL Season Highlights

While Ajay Mandal’s IPL journey is yet to feature an on-field debut, his presence in the Chennai Super Kings squad for the 2023 and 2024 seasons was a highlight in itself. In 2023, being part of a championship-winning team provided him with a unique insight into the dynamics of a successful IPL franchise, learning from stalwarts and experiencing the high-pressure environment from the dugout. Though he didn’t get to showcase his left-arm spin or handy batting, his inclusion underscored his potential as a valuable utility player.

His retention for the 2024 season further solidified the belief in his capabilities, suggesting he was seen as an important squad member, even if opportunities were limited. Fans and analysts keenly awaited his potential debut, especially given his strong domestic form. While the wait continues, these seasons served as crucial developmental periods, preparing him for the day he eventually steps onto the IPL field.