Manoj Bhandage
Role: All-Rounder
DOB: 05 October 1998
IPL Team (2026): Unsold
Base Price: INR 20 Lakhs (IPL 2023)
IPL CAREER STATISTICS (Updated April 2026)
Batting & Fielding
| Year | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0* | – | 1 | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0* | – | 1 | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
The Story of Manoj Bhandage
Hailing from Karnataka, Manoj Bhandage is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and a hard-hitting right-handed batsman, a classic all-rounder in the making. Born in October 1998, Bhandage has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit, particularly in white-ball formats, where his ability to clear the ropes and chip in with crucial wickets caught the eye of IPL scouts. His journey to the IPL spotlight was a testament to his perseverance and strong showings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he often provided vital impetus in the middle and death overs, both with bat and ball.
Bhandage’s IPL dream materialized in the 2023 auction when Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured his services at his base price of INR 20 Lakhs. This was a significant moment for the young all-rounder, marking his entry into the world’s premier T20 league. While his IPL debut season with RCB saw limited opportunities, playing just two matches, it provided him invaluable exposure to the high-pressure environment and elite competition. He was primarily seen as a potential finisher and a handy sixth bowling option, roles that demand maturity and a cool head under pressure.
Despite the lack of significant on-field action in his debut season, Bhandage’s presence in the RCB squad underlined his potential. His playing style is characterized by an aggressive approach with the bat, capable of hitting boundaries from the outset, and a disciplined medium-pace bowling that focuses on variations and hitting good lengths. While he didn’t get a chance to bowl in his two IPL outings, his domestic record speaks of a bowler who can break partnerships and contain runs. His journey is a reminder that sometimes, even a brief taste of the IPL can ignite a career, pushing players to refine their skills for future opportunities.
IPL Journey: Team by Team
Manoj Bhandage’s IPL journey began and, so far, has been limited to a single franchise: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He was picked up by RCB in the IPL 2023 auction for his base price of INR 20 Lakhs, a nod to his promising domestic performances as an all-rounder. During the 2023 season, Bhandage featured in two matches for the Bengaluru-based franchise. His debut came against Delhi Capitals, where he did not get a chance to bat or bowl. His second appearance was against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he batted once, facing a single delivery without scoring, and was not called upon to bowl. Following the 2023 season, Bhandage was released by RCB ahead of the IPL 2024 auction and subsequently went unsold in both the 2024 and 2025 auctions. As of IPL 2026, he remains an unsold player, continuing to ply his trade in the domestic circuit with hopes of an IPL comeback.
What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective
From a betting standpoint, Manoj Bhandage represents a classic “potential pick” rather than a consistent performer in the IPL, given his limited exposure. His primary value lies in his all-round capabilities, particularly his power-hitting prowess in the domestic circuit. When betting on Bhandage, consider his domestic form leading into any potential IPL call-up. If he’s consistently smashing quick runs or picking up wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, it indicates good touch.
Strengths for Betting: His ability to hit big sixes makes him a dark horse for “most sixes” in an innings if he gets a proper batting opportunity, especially on flat tracks. As a bowler, if given a chance, his medium pace could be effective on pitches with some assistance for seamers, making him a potential wicket-taker in specific conditions. He could be a high-value pick in fantasy leagues if he gets a consistent run in the playing XI, which is a big ‘if’.
Weaknesses & When to Bet Against: The biggest weakness is his lack of IPL experience and proven consistency at this level. Betting on him for significant contributions in his initial IPL appearances is risky. He’s unlikely to be a top run-scorer or wicket-taker in a full season. Bet against him for “Player of the Match” awards unless he’s had a phenomenal domestic season and is playing against a weaker bowling attack or on a pitch perfectly suited to his skills. His batting average and strike rate in the IPL are currently non-existent, making “over/under runs” bets highly speculative without more data.
Strategic Insight: Keep an eye on team combinations. If a team is struggling with their lower-order hitting or needs a fifth/sixth bowling option, Bhandage might get a look-in. His base price makes him an attractive, low-cost option for franchises, but for bettors, he’s a long-shot bet until he establishes himself with more IPL game time and impactful performances.
Key Records & Milestones
- Secured his maiden IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at his base price of INR 20 Lakhs in the IPL 2023 auction.
- Made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 15, 2023, against Delhi Capitals.
- One of the few players to debut for RCB in the IPL 2023 season.
- Consistent performer for Karnataka in domestic white-ball tournaments, showcasing his all-round potential.
IPL Season Highlights
Manoj Bhandage’s IPL journey has, to date, been limited to the 2023 season with Royal Challengers Bangalore. His debut season saw him feature in two matches, though opportunities to showcase his skills were scarce. In his first game against Delhi Capitals, he was part of the playing XI but did not get a chance to bat or bowl. His second appearance came against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he faced a single delivery without scoring any runs and was not called upon to bowl. While these outings did not yield any significant statistical highlights, they provided Bhandage with invaluable experience of the IPL environment, sharing the dressing room with international stars and understanding the demands of the league. His journey is still in its nascent stages, with the hope that future seasons will bring more opportunities to demonstrate his all-round capabilities.