India, May 21 -- Manish Pandey rolled back the years with a reminder that he still belongs at the highest level of the IPL. Once considered one of the league's brightest young talents, Pandey played a defining role in Kolkata Knight Riders' title-winning campaign in 2014, and more than a decade later, he continues to deliver when it matters. Against Mumbai Indians in a high-pressure clash on Wednesday, the 36-year-old produced a composed 45-run innings and walked away with the Player of the Match award. Coming in after early wickets had left KKR under serious pressure, Pandey steadied the chase with experience and control rather than aggression.

He absorbed the tension in the middle overs, rotated strike smartly and ensured the innings d...