Ajay Mandal

Ajay Jadav Mandal, a promising all-rounder from India, has been making waves in the domestic cricket circuit with his impressive performances. Born on February 25, 1996, Mandal has showcased his prowess with both bat and ball, making him a valuable asset to any team. His journey began with a first-class debut for Chhattisgarh in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy, where he quickly established himself as a key player. With a batting average in the mid-30s and a bowling average of under 30 in first-class cricket, Mandal has proven his mettle in the longer format of the game. His ability to score crucial runs and take vital wickets has been instrumental in Chhattisgarh's success in domestic tournaments.

Mandal's standout performances include a remarkable 241* against Uttarakhand, showcasing his ability to play long innings and anchor the team's batting. His bowling has been equally impressive, with a best figure of 7/7 against Puducherry, highlighting his knack for taking wickets in crucial moments. In the shorter formats, Mandal has continued to impress, with a best performance of 5/10 against Assam in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His all-round capabilities have not gone unnoticed, earning him a spot in the Chennai squad for the IPL 2023.

The 2023-24 season brought further confirmation of his standing as Chhattisgarh's most reliable match-winner. In January 2023, he became the first bowler from Chhattisgarh to take 100 first-class wickets.  He spent two seasons in their squad, in 2023 and 2024, without once getting to play, watching from the dug-out while the franchise went about their business at the top of the table. CSK released him at the end of that cycle without him having faced a single IPL delivery.

The 2024-25 domestic season was a return to familiar rhythms. He contributed a fighting 66 with the bat and figures of 2 for 73 against Railways in the Ranji Trophy in November 2024. Delhi Capitals identified him at the IPL 2025 mega auction and secured his services at his base price of Rs 30 lakh. He did not get a game in IPL 2025, spending another season as a squad member in a franchise with plenty of spin-all-round depth ahead of him in the pecking order. Delhi retained him for IPL 2026 as part of a core group of Indian all-rounders.