Shikha Pandey

Shikha Pandey
Full name	Shikha Subas Pandey
Born	12 May 1989 Ramagundam, Andhra Pradesh, India (now Telangana)
Nationality	Indian
Role	All-rounder
Batting	Right-handed
Bowling	Right-arm medium-fast
Service	Indian Air Force (Squadron Leader)
Teams	India, Goa, Delhi Capitals, Velocity, Brisbane Heat, Trinbago Knight Riders, Canterbury Magicians

Shikha Pandey (born 12 May 1989) is an Indian women’s international cricketer and a Squadron Leader in the Indian Air Force. An accomplished all-rounder, she has represented India in Tests, One Day Internationals, and Twenty20 Internationals. Pandey is widely admired for successfully balancing a professional military career with elite-level international cricket.

Early Life and Education

Shikha Subas Pandey was born in Ramagundam, in present-day Telangana. She grew up excelling in academics as well as sports. She completed her schooling under the Central Board of Secondary Education and secured the third rank in her state in the Class 10 examinations.

Pandey pursued a degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from Goa College of Engineering. During her college years, she resumed competitive cricket, training rigorously while maintaining academic discipline. She often traveled long distances daily for practice and trained alongside boys’ junior teams, which contributed to her pace and endurance.

Domestic Cricket

Pandey began her domestic cricket career representing Goa at the age of 15. She quickly emerged as a key player, delivering a four-wicket haul on her senior debut and scoring multiple half-centuries in under-19 competitions. She later became the first woman cricketer from Goa to represent India at the international level.

Her performances for Goa and in Board President’s XI matches against touring international teams in 2010 brought her to national attention.

International Career

Shikha Pandey made her T20 International debut for India in March 2014 against Bangladesh. Later that year, she made her ODI and Test debuts against England. Known for her disciplined seam bowling and lower-order batting, she soon became a dependable all-rounder in India’s lineup.

One of her standout performances came in November 2014 against South Africa, where she took three wickets and scored a crucial half-century. Over her international career, she played 55 ODIs, 56 T20Is, and 3 Test matches, taking more than 100 wickets across formats.

Pandey was part of India’s squads for major tournaments, including the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, where India finished runners-up, and the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

Franchise and Overseas Cricket

In the Women’s Premier League, Pandey has represented the Delhi Capitals, bringing experience and leadership to the side. She has also played in overseas leagues, representing teams such as Brisbane Heat, Trinbago Knight Riders, and Canterbury Magicians, further enhancing her global cricketing profile.

Indian Air Force Career

Shikha Pandey joined the Indian Air Force in 2011 and was commissioned as an Air Traffic Control Officer in 2012. She attained the rank of Squadron Leader and has continued to serve while pursuing her cricket career.

In 2017, she was felicitated by the Air Chief Marshal for her contributions to Indian cricket, highlighting her rare dual role as a military officer and international athlete.

Legacy

Shikha Pandey is regarded as a symbol of discipline, resilience, and empowerment. Her ability to balance military service with international cricket has inspired athletes across India, particularly women from non-traditional cricketing regions. Nicknamed “Shikhipedia” by teammates, she is known for her deep understanding of the game and analytical approach.