Shikha Pandey

An opening fast-bowler for India, Shikha Pandey has been stealing her thunder in presence of Jhulan Goswami, bowling from the other end. 

The Ramagundam-born, Shikha started playing cricket for Goa at the tender age of 15 and soon made the transition into the state’s senior side. Her breakthrough moment came during the Rani Jhansi Trophy, where the pacer took four wickets on debut, to lead into the Board President's XI against the visiting England and West Indies teams in 2010-11, before making it to the highest level. 

Shikha was first called up for the Bangladesh tour and the 2014 World T20 but unfortunately didn’t make her debut. A couple of months later, the pacer made her International debut during the historic Test against England. Days later, she got both her maiden ODI and T20I caps as well. 

The pacer started to impress as she took small steps in the international arena. Over the years, she has been a vital cog for India in various ICC tournaments. Shikha was part of the Indian team that went to the final of the 2017 World Cup. She was also selected for the World T20 of 2020, where the pacer led India’s bowling attack. 

Shikha has been serving India on the field and as an Air Traffic Control Officer too. However, her utmost dream is to lift the World Cup trophy for India. 

(As of April 2021)