Shikha Pandey is one of the strongest and smartest women in Indian cricket. She is not just a fast bowler but also a real hero who worked as an officer in the Indian Air Force. Her story shows hard work, discipline, and never giving up. Born in a small town, Shikha followed her dream with courage and became a top cricketer. Today, she is known for her swing bowling and calm mind on the field. This article will tell you everything about Shikha Pandey’s personal and professional life, including her height, age, boyfriend, family, and more.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shikha Subas Pandey |
| Profession | Cricketer, Indian Air Force Officer |
| Date of Birth | 12 May 1989 |
| Age | 36 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Karwar, Karnataka, India |
| Hometown | Goa, India |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Role | All-Rounder |
| ODI Debut | 21 August 2014 vs England Women |
| T20I Debut | 9 March 2014 vs Bangladesh Women |
| Test Debut | 13 August 2014 vs England Women |
| Current Team | India Women’s National Team, Delhi Capitals (WPL) |
| WPL Team Price | ₹60 lakh (Delhi Capitals) |
| Father’s Name | Subas Pandey (Retired Teacher) |
| Mother’s Name | Not Publicly Known |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Boyfriend | Not Known / Private |
| Education | B.Tech in Electronics, Manipal Institute of Technology |
| Military Rank | Squadron Leader, Indian Air Force |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Net Worth | ₹5–7 crore INR (approx.) |
| Hobbies | Reading, Travelling, Fitness |
| Inspiration | Jhulan Goswami, Rahul Dravid |
| Controversies | None |
Early Life and Childhood
Shikha Pandey was born on 12 May 1989 in Karwar, Karnataka, a quiet town near the sea. She spent her early childhood in Goa, where she studied and played cricket. Her father worked in the Indian Air Force as a teacher, and her mother was a homemaker. She grew up in a middle-class family with strong values and support.
From a young age, Shikha loved sports. But she was also very good at studies. In school, she ranked among the top students and also loved math and science. She got inspired by watching India’s cricket legends and started playing cricket with boys in her neighborhood. Even with limited facilities, she never gave up. Her family noticed her love for the game and supported her every step of the way.
Education and Academics
Shikha is not just a cricketer; she is also very intelligent. She studied at Manipal Institute of Technology, where she earned a degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering. She balanced both cricket and studies during her college days, which is not easy at all.
She also cleared the Indian Air Force entrance exam and later joined the Indian Air Force as an officer. She became one of the few women in the world who served in the air force and played international cricket. Her intelligence, focus, and discipline helped her manage both roles with great success.
Cricket Career – Rising Through the Ranks
Shikha started playing professional cricket in Goa. She played for her state team and slowly gained recognition. Her sharp bowling and ability to swing the ball impressed selectors. In 2014, she got her big break and made her international debut for India.
ODI Debut:
- Date: 21 August 2014
- Against: England Women
- She bowled well and showed great control even under pressure.
T20I Debut:
- Date: 9 March 2014
- Against: Bangladesh Women
- She impressed everyone with her swing and pace.
Test Debut:
- Date: 13 August 2014
- Against: England Women
- She picked up key wickets and helped India win.
Since her debut, Shikha has played in many big matches, including World Cups and important series. Her best performance came during the 2017 Women’s World Cup, where she played a key role in helping India reach the final. She also bowled beautifully in the 2020 T20 World Cup, where India reached the final once again.
Playing Style and Strengths
Shikha Pandey is a right-arm medium pacer. She is known for her swing bowling and smart thinking on the field. She can move the ball both ways and trouble batters even on flat wickets.
She is also handy with the bat and has saved India many times by scoring important runs in the lower order. Her fitness, focus, and calm attitude make her a strong team player.
Coaches and experts praise her for reading the game well and making smart decisions under pressure. Whether it’s bowling in the first over or defending runs at the end, Shikha always gives her best.
Family Support
Shikha comes from a loving and educated family. Her father, Subhash Pandey, supported her dreams from the beginning. He encouraged her to balance studies and sports. Her mother, whose name is not widely known, took care of the home and made sure Shikha stayed focused.
She also has a younger brother, who stood by her side during her tough times. Her family helped her make bold decisions like joining the Indian Air Force and continuing with cricket. Their trust gave her strength to shine on the global stage.
Relationship and Boyfriend
As of 2025, Shikha Pandey is not married and has kept her personal life very private. She has not shared any details about a boyfriend or partner. She believes in focusing on her career and letting her actions speak.
Many fans admire her for being so focused and professional. She wants young girls to dream big and follow their passion without any fear.
Life in Indian Air Force
Not many people know that Shikha is a Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force. She joined the Air Force in 2012 after finishing her engineering. She took a break from cricket during her training but came back stronger.
Serving in the Air Force made her more disciplined and confident. It gave her the mental strength to deal with pressure in cricket too. She is a symbol of power and pride for the country.
She once said, “The uniform taught me courage, cricket taught me passion. Both made me who I am.”
Career Setbacks and Comeback
In 2022 and early 2023, Shikha was dropped from the Indian team. Many people thought it was unfair because she was still performing well. But instead of complaining, Shikha trained harder and stayed fit.
She made a strong comeback in 2024, especially in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she played for Delhi Capitals. Her good form helped her get selected again for Team India. This comeback proved her strength, both physical and mental.
Controversies
Shikha Pandey is known for staying away from controversies. She rarely speaks out unless needed. But once in 2021, she made headlines when she posted a tweet asking cricket boards to “respect the game” after seeing very short boundaries and flat pitches.
Her post went viral, and many agreed with her. She never attacked anyone but showed her concern in a respectful and smart way. This made fans respect her even more.
Lifestyle and Interests
Outside cricket and her Air Force duties, Shikha likes to keep things simple. She enjoys reading books, listening to music, and doing yoga. She is also active on social media, where she shares motivational posts and supports young athletes.
She likes to inspire others, especially girls, to work hard and follow their dreams. Her lifestyle shows balance between glamour, service, and sports.
Net Worth and Salary
Shikha Pandey’s estimated net worth in 2025 is between ₹4–6 crore INR. Her income comes from:
- Indian cricket match fees
- WPL salary (around ₹60 lakh from Delhi Capitals)
- Air Force salary
- Endorsements and ads
She may not be the most flashy celebrity, but she is respected and admired for her balanced and successful life.
Achievements and Awards
- Represented India in ODI, T20I & Test formats
- Served as Wing Commander in Indian Air Force
- Played in 2017 and 2020 World Cup finals
- WPL 2024 top performer for Delhi Capitals
- Won many “Player of the Match” awards
