In the annals of Indian women’s cricket, few stories resonate with the harmony of passion, determination, and versatility as vividly as that of Shikha Pandey. Born on May 12, 1989, in the picturesque state of Goa, Pandey’s journey is not just about her exploits on the cricket field but also her remarkable balancing act between being an international cricketer and serving as an Air Traffic Controller with the Indian Air Force. This article aims to unfold the inspiring saga of Shikha Pandey, a name that has become synonymous with resilience and excellence in Indian women’s cricket.
From swinging the cricket bat at the tender age of five under the watchful eyes of her father, to representing India at the highest level, Pandey’s story is one of relentless pursuit and undying love for the game. Her achievements on the field are well-documented, from being the first player from Goa in any Indian national team to her instrumental role in crucial matches like the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup. However, it’s her journey off the field, marked by academic brilliance and a commendable career in the Indian Air Force, that adds layers to her persona.
Shikha Pandey Batting Career Statistic
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WTests | 3 | 5 | 2 | 55 | 28* | 18.33 | 206 | 26.69 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| WODIs | 55 | 34 | 9 | 512 | 59 | 20.48 | 568 | 90.14 | 0 | 2 | 66 | 4 | 11 | 0 |
| WT20Is | 62 | 28 | 12 | 208 | 26* | 13.00 | 263 | 79.08 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 2 | 18 | 0 |
Bowling Career Statistic
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WTests | 3 | 5 | 249 | 141 | 4 | 2/33 | 3/58 | 35.25 | 3.39 | 62.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| WODIs | 55 | 55 | 2472 | 1644 | 75 | 4/18 | 4/18 | 21.92 | 3.99 | 32.9 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| WT20Is | 62 | 56 | 1040 | 1125 | 43 | 3/14 | 3/14 | 26.16 | 6.49 | 24.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Career Information
WTest debut vs England 13.08.2014
Last WTest vs England 16.06.2021
WODI debut vs England 21.08.2014
Last WODI vs England 03.07.2021
WT20I debut vs Bangladesh 09.03.2014
Last WT20I vs Australia 23.02.2023
Biography
Pandey’s journey in both academics and cricket is a testament to her dedication and ability to balance multiple demanding pursuits. Completing her schooling under the Central Board of Secondary Education in India, Pandey’s cricketing talent was evident early on. At just 15, she made history by becoming the first player from a state board to represent India. Surekha Bhandare, a former Mumbai player and selector, noticed Pandey’s exceptional talent, recognizing her potential to be a future national player.
Remarkably, Pandey also excelled in academics, securing the third rank statewide in her class-ten board exams. This achievement led her to prioritize her studies, temporarily putting cricket on hold for three years. It was during her undergraduate studies in Electronics and Electrical Engineering that she renewed her pursuit of cricket with renewed vigor.
Juggling academics and cricket, Pandey’s routine involved morning gym sessions and academic work, followed by a 12 km journey to Mapusa for cricket training under Nitin Vernekar, a former Goa cricketer and coach with the Sports Authority of Goa. This rigorous schedule, particularly training with boys’ teams, significantly improved her reaction time against pace bowling.
Cricket Career
At the age of 15, Poonam Pandey’s cricket journey began when she was selected to represent Goa in 2004. Her early foray into the sport showed promise, and at the age of 17 during the 2007–08 domestic season, she earned her spot in Goa’s Women Senior State Side. It was in the inter-state two-day tournament, the Rani Jhansi Trophy, that she made her mark by claiming a four-wicket haul, marking her senior women’s debut. Her first wicket was none other than the accomplished Indian international, Thirushi Kamini, taken with a caught-and-bowled effort. What set her on the fast track to recognition that season was her consistent performance for the Goa Under-19 side, where she notched up three half-centuries.
Taking a break from her engineering course, Pandey had the opportunity to showcase her skills on a larger stage. She featured in the Board President’s XI against touring England and West Indies teams in 2010 and January 2011, respectively. During these encounters, she clinched her first “international wicket, albeit unofficial,” dismissing none other than the renowned Charlotte Edwards during the 2010 tour game. Pandey continued to shine for Goa and following the 2013–14 season of the Inter-State T20 tournament (Plate group), she earned a place in the Indian squad for the tour of Bangladesh, which included three friendly matches against Bangladesh and the 2014 ICC Women’s World Twenty20.
Poonam Pandey’s accomplishments extend beyond her individual achievements. She holds the distinction of being the first cricketer from Goa to represent any Indian national team, a testament to her talent and dedication. Moreover, she is the first Goa Cricket Association affiliated cricketer to reach international prominence, adding another layer to her remarkable journey. Her contributions on the field have been pivotal, such as her instrumental role in India’s victory against South Africa on 26 November 2014, where she not only took three wickets but also made a significant contribution with the bat, scoring 59 runs. As she continues to represent India on the global stage, Pandey remains a source of pride for both her state and the nation.
Bowling Speed and Play Style
Shikha Pandey, an important player in the Indian women’s cricket team, is known for her right-arm medium pace bowling style. While specific details about her bowling speed are not readily available, her playing style and achievements provide insights into her capabilities as a bowler.
Pandey has been a key player for India in various formats of the game, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. In her career, she has played a significant number of matches in each format, showcasing her skills as a bowler. Her statistics reveal an impressive bowling average and economy rate, indicating her effectiveness in containing runs and taking wickets.
Her journey in cricket has been notable, making her debut in international cricket in a T20 match against Bangladesh. She has also been instrumental in several important matches for India, including her performance in the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup where India reached the final.
Known for her dedication and passion for the game, Pandey’s contributions to the team extend beyond her bowling. Her nickname “Shikhipedia” reflects her deep knowledge and enthusiasm for cricket, earning her recognition as a cricket geek among her peers.
Personal Life and Family
Shikha Pandey’s personal life is as remarkable as her cricketing career. Born on May 12, 1989, in Goa, India, Pandey’s passion for cricket was evident from an early age. Her father, a teacher, introduced her to the sport, and by the age of 15, she was already playing for Goa, becoming the first person from the state, male or female, to represent in cricket. Besides her sporting talents, Pandey excelled academically, scoring over 90% in her board exams.
She pursued a B. Tech in Electronics from Goa Engineering College. However, her love for cricket led her to take a year off after completing her bachelor’s degree to focus on the sport. During this period, her father encouraged her to take the Indian Air Force exam, which she cleared with merit. She joined the Indian Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller, a role that marked a significant leap in her life.
Pandey’s cricketing journey is marked by perseverance and resilience. Despite facing setbacks, such as missing out on selection for the national side, she continued to work hard, leading her state team Goa and making a significant impact in domestic cricket. Her determination paid off as she made a successful comeback to the Indian cricket team. This comeback was not just a personal triumph but also served as an inspiration to many young aspiring cricketers.
Her nickname, “Shikhipedia,” is a testament to her deep knowledge of cricket, earning her the respect of her peers and fans alike. Despite the challenges she faced, including periods of uncertainty about her career, Pandey’s story is one of never giving up on dreams. Her journey back to top-flight cricket, including her time in Australia gaining perspective on the game and life, reflects her commitment to both her sport and personal growth.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the extraordinary journey of Shikha Pandey, it’s clear that her story transcends the boundaries of cricket, inspiring not just aspiring athletes but anyone daring to dream. Pandey’s life is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the courage to pursue one’s passions against all odds. Her achievements in cricket, coupled with her service in the Indian Air Force, paint the picture of a woman who is not just an athlete but a role model, a pioneer, and a symbol of empowerment.
Shikha Pandey’s story reminds us that success is not a straight line but a path filled with challenges, setbacks, and triumphs. Her journey back to the Indian cricket team, overcoming doubts and obstacles, epitomizes the spirit of never giving up. As she continues to don the blue jersey and serve her nation, both on the field and in the skies, Pandey’s legacy extends far beyond her cricketing statistics. She embodies the idea that with passion, perseverance, and a positive mindset, there are no limits to what one can achieve.