After nearly a decade of dedicated service to USA Cricket, Sindhu Sriharsha has officially announced her retirement from international cricket. A stalwart of the USA Women’s National Team since 2015, the wicketkeeper-batter leaves behind an inspiring legacy of leadership, resilience, and significant contributions to the sport.
Sriharsha’s journey in international cricket began with her debut in 2015, playing two T20 matches against Pakistan. She later made her ODI debut against Papua New Guinea in April 2024, going on to play a total of seven ODIs.
Across these matches, she accumulated 200 runs, with the best score of 69. In T20Is, she was a consistent performer, amassing 530 runs from 32 matches, including three half-centuries, with a career-best unbeaten 74. Her final international appearance came in October 2024 against Zimbabwe, bringing an end to a distinguished career.
Born in Bangalore, India, Sriharsha’s love for cricket was evident from a young age. She started playing formally at nine after being spotted by former Indian batter Smitha Harikrishna. Before representing the USA, she had already donned the jerseys of India A and India Under-21 teams.
Her leadership qualities were recognized early when she was appointed captain of the USA Women’s National Team in 2017, during a crucial transitional period before USA Cricket was officially recognized by the ICC in 2019.
Under her captaincy, the USA secured victories in the ICC T20 World Cup Americas Region Qualifiers in 2019, 2021, and 2023, paving the way for their participation in three consecutive ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers.
One of Sriharsha’s most memorable performances came in the 2022 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Abu Dhabi, where she played a stunning unbeaten 74-run knock against Bangladesh, showcasing her ability to anchor an innings under pressure.
As she steps away from the international stage, Sriharsha took a moment to reflect on her journey and express gratitude to those who have supported her along the way.
“I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, who have stood by me through thick and thin, supporting me in balancing two careers,” she shared.
She also extended her appreciation to the mentors who shaped her into the cricketer and leader she became.
“To the coaches who have shaped me into the person I am today and continue to be lifelong mentors—thank you for your lasting impact.”
Acknowledging the bonds she built within the team, she added, “To my teammates over the past decade, with whom I share incredible memories and from whom I have learned and grown alongside, I am deeply grateful.”
Beyond the field, the support of the broader cricketing community played a crucial role in her career.
“Lastly, I want to acknowledge the broader USA cricket community. Your support has kept me grounded and motivated to keep the spark alive over the years. I look forward to staying connected and continuing to contribute to the cricketing journey in the USA.”
As she bids farewell to international cricket, Sriharsha remains optimistic about the future of the sport in the USA.
“I am incredibly grateful to USA Cricket for the opportunity to lead and represent the national team. It has been an absolute privilege to contribute to the growth of women’s cricket in the United States,” she said.
With her experience, leadership, and deep-rooted passion for the game, Sriharsha is sure to continue making an impact, even off the field. While her chapter as a player has closed, her influence on USA Cricket is far from over.
Loves all things female cricket
