Ajay Mandal, born on February 25, 1996, in Durg, Madhya Pradesh, is an emerging Indian cricketer celebrated for his all-round abilities. A left-handed batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Mandal’s cricketing journey gained momentum when he made his first-class debut for Chhattisgarh in the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy season.
Early Career of Ajay Mandal
Ajay Mandal’s foray into professional cricket began on October 6, 2016, when he debuted in first-class cricket against Tripura in Ranchi. His transition into T20 cricket followed swiftly, with his debut match for Chhattisgarh occurring in January 2017 against Uttar Pradesh. Mandal’s List A debut came in the 2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy, marking the start of his diverse cricketing career.
Domestic Performance and Stats
Throughout his growing career, Mandal has demonstrated impressive potential as an all-rounder. As of early 2025, he has scored approximately 1,849 runs in first-class cricket, boasting a remarkably high score of 241 not out. His bowling prowess is highlighted by 125 wickets and a best bowling figure of 7/7. In List A cricket, Mandal has amassed 495 runs along with 33 wickets, and in T20 matches, he has contributed 450 runs and bagged 44 wickets. His achievement of four five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul in first-class cricket underscores his capabilities on the field.
Ajay Mandal in the IPL
Mandal’s performances have attracted the interest of IPL franchises, resulting in his selection by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the 2023 season at a base price of INR 20 lakhs. Despite not participating in any matches during his inaugural season, Mandal gained invaluable experience training with cricket legends and was retained for the 2024 season.
Recent Developments
In addition to his IPL commitments, Ajay Mandal signed with Doncaster Town Cricket Club as an overseas professional player for the 2023 season, further broadening his experience on an international platform. As of February 2025, he has also secured a position in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming matches against England, highlighting his growing prominence in Indian cricket.
Summary of Ajay Mandal’s Career
Ajay Mandal is a promising all-rounder whose skills with both bat and ball have made him a vital player for Chhattisgarh and a rising star in the IPL with CSK. His dedication and performances continue to attract attention as he aims to solidify his position in both domestic and international cricket.
