Best of both worlds: Squadron leader Shikha Pandey

Anil Kumble, R Ashwin, K Srikanth and EAS Prasanna, there is a common trait among all these players. All these legends of the game have graduated in engineering. While it’s hard to accomplish heights in a single field, these maestros have done tremendous work in both cricket and academics. 

Last updated: October 7, 2026

Today, in this article by ZAP cricket, we will discuss one equally talented but lesser known cricketer, who is also an Officer in the Indian Air Force- Shikha Pandey aka ‘shikhipedia’.

She is a right arm pacer and a right handed batter. She made her debut in 2014 but before playing for the country, she was already commissioned as Air Traffic Controller, that is, in June 2012.    

Early life and domestic cricket of Shikha Pandey

Born on 12 May 1989, Shikha attended the Central Board of Secondary Education, India and Goa College of Engineering. She played domestic cricket for Goa. Since the beginning, she had a very raw talent and that made her look different from the rest. She coached under Mr. Nitin Vernekar sir. 

At age 15, she was picked in the junior state team.  Later, at age 17, she was picked in Goa’s Senior Team. She played zonal cricket and Board President XI against England and West Indies in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

Interestingly, the toughest part in her journey was her dilemma between cricket and studies. She devoted her time equally to both these avenues but that itself was a difficult job. In the morning and evening she used to plan her sessions in the field and between those two sessions she used to focus on her studies. 

Along with playing elite cricket, Pandey completed her graduation in Electronics and Electrical Engineering as well. 

International cricket of Shikha Pandey 

Shikha made her Test debut on 13 August, 2014 vs England, ODI debut on 21 August, 2014 vs England and T20I debut on 9 March, 2014 vs Bangladesh. 

In total, she has played 114 matches for the country and has taken 119 wickets across all formats. She has a decent pace but her control on line and length has been tremendous. She has appeared in World Cup twice: that is, in 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup and in 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup. 

International stats of Shikha Pandey

Shikha Pandey in Franchise Cricket

Pandey was a founding-season player for Delhi Capitals in the WPL and remained with the franchise through 2025. Across her first three WPL seasons with Delhi, she played 27 matches and took 30 wickets.

Ahead of WPL 2026, UP Warriorz bought Shikha Pandey for INR 2.40 crore. She played eight matches in the 2026 season and took seven wickets.

Her overseas franchise career has also included Brisbane Heat in the WBBL, Canterbury Magicians in New Zealand and Trinbago Knight Riders in the WCPL.

That later phase of her career shows how experienced Indian players can build substantial franchise careers even when they are not part of the current national side.