Who is Shikha Pandey? Out-of-favour India pacer who shocked WPL 2026 mega auction with Rs 2.40 crore deal

WPL 2026 Mega Auction reached a surprising high with veteran Indian pacer Shikha Pandey being bought by UP Warriorz for a staggering price of Rs 2.40 crore. This significant bid made the 36-year-old one of the most expensive Indian players sold, significantly exceeding pre-auction estimates for a player who has not played for the Indian national team since 2023.

In the intense bidding war, UP Warriorz competed fiercely with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Pandey’s price went up to twelve times his base price of Rs 20 lakh. The final amount is a remarkable testament to his established skills and experience in fast bowling.

Who is Shikha Pandey?

The veteran bowler, fondly called “Shikhipedia” by his teammates for his extensive knowledge of the game, is a veteran who has represented India in 62 T20Is and has taken 43 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.49. He played a vital role in the Indian team that reached the 2017 ODI World Cup finals. He also serves as a Squadron Leader in the Indian Air Force and exemplifies a unique combination of discipline and talent.

Although he has been overlooked by the national selectors since 2023, franchises clearly appreciate his consistent performance in the WPL. With 30 wickets in 27 WPL matches in previous seasons and an economy rate of 6.96, Pandey offers control and strike, a rare and sought-after asset in the league’s fast bowling environment.

For UP Warriorz, this high-risk acquisition is a tactical decision to secure a reliable, experienced Indian pacer who can perform effectively in all phases of the game. His inclusion is expected to bring leadership and stability to the bowling line-up and validate the headline-grabbing Rs 2.40 crore investment.

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