Devika Palshikar Biography in English – Devika Palshikar was born on June 20, 1979, in the town of Malvan in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. Born in a small town, Devika reached the Indian women’s cricket team through her relentless hard work and dedication to the sport. Her childhood was filled with a deep interest and passion for cricket, which eventually led her into the world of Indian cricket.
| Name | Devika Palshikar |
| Date of Birth | June 20, 1979 |
| Birthplace | Malvan, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, India |
| Role | All-rounder |
| Playing Style: | |
| Batting | Right-hand bat |
| Bowling | Right-arm off break (off-spin) |
Early Life and Education
Devika Palshikar was born in the coastal town of Malvan in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, where access to sporting facilities was limited. Despite these challenges, she remained passionate about cricket and self-trained to secure a place in domestic cricket. Her early days were full of struggle, but with family support and her unwavering dedication, she steadily progressed
Beginning of Cricket Career
Devika’s excellent performances in domestic cricket brought her to the attention of national selectors. Her talent earned her a place in the Indian Women’s Cricket Team. She primarily played as an all-rounder, skilled in both batting and bowling.
- She represented strong domestic sides like Maharashtra and Railways.
- In the Railways team, she played alongside legends like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami.
- She delivered several important performances at the domestic level, both with the bat and ball
International Career
Devika played one Test match and 14 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for the Indian women’s national team.
Test Cricket: She featured in a single Test match for India, where she gave her best to contribute to the team.
ODI Cricket: She played in 14 ODIs, delivering consistent performances that strengthened the Indian side.Her style of play was marked by discipline, strategy, and a strong team spirit. She contributed as both a batter and a bowler, making her a recognized all-rounder in the team.
Coaching and Post-Cricket Career
After retiring from active cricket, Devika Palshikar transitioned into coaching. She became a mentor and guide to several women cricketers. She also contributed to the coaching staff of the Indian Women’s Team and other domestic teams. Under her guidance, teams achieved significant victories.
Coaching Roles:
- Assistant Coach of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team (2014–2017)
- Part of the coaching staff during India’s historic runner-up finish in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017
- Played a key role in India’s strong performances across several series
Major Achievements
- One of the few to represent India in both Test and ODI formats
- Outstanding performances in domestic cricket, especially for Maharashtra
- Active contributor to the growth of women’s cricket through coaching and mentorship
Personal Life Devika Palshikar
Devika Palshikar leads a simple and disciplined life. She has always remained devoted to the game and considers cricket an integral part of her life. Even after retirement, she stayed connected to the sport, dedicating her time to nurturing young talent.
Devika Palshikar is an inspiring figure who, despite limited international opportunities, brought honor to Indian women’s cricket through her passion, hard work, and commitment. Her journey continues to motivate young cricketers, proving that with dedication and effort, any dream can be achieved.
