Palash Nandi was born on 17th July, 1952. He had a great knack in sports from his childhood. His journey in cricket started with childhood coach Pulak Biswas. In 1969 while he was playing in Aryans Club he was inducted in the Bengal team. Thanks to his performances as a right handed batsman and an off break bowler, he was recruited by Mohun Bagan in 1974 from Kalighat Club.

He captained Mohun Bagan cricket team in 1976. In 1977 he left the club but returned to Mohun Bagan in 1980. Mohun Bagan official Chitrak Mitra played a vital role in bringing him back to the club. Palash Nandi then went on to stay in Mohun Bagan from 1980 till 1994. He was a favourite of club secretary Dhiren Dey. During his time in Mohun Bagan, the club won CAB League eleven times, including a number of continuous winning streaks. Mohun Bagan also won CAB Senior Knockout nine times, P Sen eleven times, JC Mukherjee eight times and AN Ghosh trophy.

He represented Bengal from 1969/70 season to 1981/82 season. He played a number of memorable knocks for Bengal. In first class cricket he amassed 3208 runs, at an average of 41 with an highest score of 205. He was the coach of Bengal after retiring as a player. As coach of Mohun Bagan cricket team from 2009 to 2017 he was part of a number of memorable victories. His brother Pranab Nandi is also a successful cricketer and coach. He was manager to the Bengal team in 1989/90 when Bengal captured the Ranji Trophy for the last time. In 2017 he was given the Lifetime Achievement award by CAB. He was selected as the chairperson for the selection panel of the senior team by CAB in 2018. He also has a keen interest in football and cordial relationships with many contemporary footballers.

Palash Nandi has received the prestigious Mohun Bagan Ratna in 2020.