Shikha Pandey: The Rise of a Cricket Star
Role: All-rounder
DOB: May 12, 1989
IPL Team (2026): Delhi Capitals
Base Price: ₹60 Lakh (WPL 2023 Auction)
IPL CAREER STATISTICS (Updated April 2026)
Batting & Fielding
| Year | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 17 | 5 | 4 | 15 | 10* | 15.00 | 12 | 125.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| 2024 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1* | – | 1 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 14 | 10* | 14.00 | 11 | 127.27 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Bowling
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 17 | 348 | 420 | 21 | 3/23 | 20.00 | 7.24 | 16.57 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 8 | 168 | 190 | 11 | 3/23 | 17.27 | 6.78 | 15.27 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 9 | 180 | 230 | 10 | 3/23 | 23.00 | 7.66 | 18.00 | 0 | 0 |
The Story of Shikha Pandey: The Rise of a Cricket Star
From the sun-kissed beaches of Goa to the high-pressure cauldrons of the WPL, Shikha Pandey’s journey is a testament to grit, discipline, and an unwavering passion for cricket. An officer in the Indian Air Force, Pandey brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and relentless execution to the cricket field. Her cricketing tale began in her formative years, honing her skills in the domestic circuit before making her mark on the international stage. Known for her graceful right-arm medium-fast swing bowling, Pandey quickly became a vital cog in India’s national team, earning a reputation for her ability to swing the new ball both ways and deliver crucial breakthroughs.
Her entry into the WPL was highly anticipated, and when the Delhi Capitals secured her services for ₹60 Lakh in the inaugural 2023 auction, it was clear they recognized her immense value. Pandey immediately justified the investment, becoming a cornerstone of the Capitals’ bowling attack. Her breakthrough moments in the league often came with the new ball, dismantling top orders with her deceptive swing and impeccable line and length. She’s not just a bowler; her lower-order batting, though not frequently utilized, has the potential for quick runs, and her fielding is sharp, making her a true all-round asset.
Pandey’s playing style is characterized by her classical approach to fast bowling. She relies on swing and seam movement rather than raw pace, consistently hitting good areas and challenging batters. Her ability to control the flow of runs in the powerplay and pick up wickets makes her invaluable. She’s also known for her calm demeanor under pressure, a trait undoubtedly honed by her military background, allowing her to execute plans effectively even in tight situations. Her leadership presence, even without the captain’s armband, is palpable, guiding younger bowlers and setting high standards on the field.
IPL Journey: Team by Team
Shikha Pandey’s WPL journey has been exclusively with the Delhi Capitals since the league’s inception. She was a marquee signing for the franchise in the inaugural WPL 2023 auction, snapped up for a significant sum of ₹60 Lakh. This investment proved astute, as Pandey immediately became a lynchpin of their bowling attack.
In WPL 2023, she played all 9 matches, showcasing her ability to pick up wickets consistently, finishing with 10 scalps at an average of 23.00 and an economy of 7.66. Her best figures of 3/23 were crucial in several encounters, helping the Capitals reach the final. Her experience and control were vital in guiding a relatively new team.
She continued her association with the Delhi Capitals in WPL 2024, once again being a central figure in their campaign. She improved on her previous season’s performance, bagging 11 wickets from 8 matches at an even better average of 17.27 and an economy rate of 6.78. Her consistent performance, including another 3/23, was instrumental in the Capitals reaching their second consecutive final. Her loyalty and consistent output have made her an indispensable part of the Delhi Capitals setup, a true veteran presence in a dynamic league.
What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective
For bettors, Shikha Pandey offers a compelling profile, particularly in the bowling department. Her primary strength lies in her new-ball prowess. On pitches that offer even a hint of swing or seam movement, Pandey is a genuine wicket-taking threat in the powerplay. Betting on her for “First Wicket of the Match” or “Most Wickets for Team” can be lucrative, especially when conditions are overcast or the pitch is fresh. Her economy rate is also a strong point; she rarely leaks runs, making her a good bet for “Under X Runs Conceded” props.
Her weaknesses are primarily in her batting, which is generally not a significant contributor to scores. Avoid betting on her for batting-related props unless there’s an extreme collapse and she gets an extended stay at the crease, which is rare. She thrives against top-order batters who struggle against conventional swing, making her a strong pick against teams with such vulnerabilities. Consistency is a hallmark of her bowling; she’s not prone to many off-days, making her a reliable option for consistent wicket-taking. However, on flat, dry tracks with no swing, her effectiveness can diminish slightly, so consider conditions carefully. Bet on her to provide early breakthroughs and maintain pressure, particularly in the first six overs.
Key Records & Milestones
- One of the few players to have featured in every match for a single franchise (Delhi Capitals) across the first two WPL seasons (2023 & 2024).
- Joint-highest wicket-taker for Delhi Capitals in WPL 2024 with 11 wickets.
- Consistently maintained an economy rate below 8.00 across both WPL seasons, showcasing excellent control.
- Part of the Delhi Capitals squad that reached two consecutive WPL finals (2023, 2024).
- Her career-best WPL figures of 3/23 have been achieved twice, highlighting her ability to deliver match-winning spells.
IPL Season Highlights
WPL 2024: The Spearhead’s Surge
Shikha Pandey truly shone in the 2024 season, emerging as the spearhead of the Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack. Her 11 wickets from 8 matches at an impressive average of 17.27 and an economy of 6.78 were crucial. A standout performance came against Gujarat Giants, where she picked up 3/23, dismantling their middle order and setting up a comfortable victory. Her ability to bowl tight lines and lengths consistently, coupled with her knack for picking up wickets at critical junctures, was a major factor in DC’s run to the final.
WPL 2023: The Inaugural Impact
In the inaugural WPL season, Shikha Pandey immediately made her presence felt. Playing all 9 matches, she bagged 10 wickets at an average of 23.00. Her spell of 3/23 against UP Warriorz was a masterclass in swing bowling, helping restrict a strong batting lineup. Throughout the season, she provided crucial early breakthroughs and maintained pressure, proving her worth as a seasoned campaigner and a vital asset in the Capitals’ journey to the grand finale.