Manish Pandey: Five interesting facts you must know about India's new hero

Pandey was also a part of India's U-19 World Cup team in Malaysia in 2008.

New Delhi: Karnataka batsman Manish Pandey on Saturday saved MS Dhoni-led Indian cricket team from huge embarrassment as he slammed his maiden international ton against Australia in the 5th ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Manish, who was included in the playing XI as a replacement for injured Ajinkya Rahane, grabbed the opportunity with both hands and announced himself at the big stage with a fabulous unbeaten 104-run knock.

Here are some facts you must know about the talented right-hander:

Born in Nainital, Manish Pandey came to Bangalore with his family at the age of 15. His father was employed with the Indian Army. When his father was transferred to Rajasthan a few years later, the right-hander decided to stay back to pursue a career in cricket.

Manish has represented Karnataka at Under-17 and Under-19 level. He was also a part of India's U-19 World Cup team in Malaysia in 2008.

His trademark half-sweep-half-flick shot - where he aims to go for the sweep but just stretches towards the ball and flicks it, mostly towards midwicket, was the talk of the town in Bangalore during his early days.

Manish first rose to fame when playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he became the first Indian cricketer to score a ton in the Indian Premier League. Opening the innings, Pandey hammered an unbeaten 114 runs off 73 deliveries against Deccan Chargers to propel Bangalore into the semi-finals of the 2009 tournament.

Pandey made his One Day International debut for India against Zimbabwe on July 14, 2015. He scored 71 runs in his first match and was involved in a match-winning 144-run partnership with Kedar Jadhav (105) for the fifth wicket.