Indian batter Sabbhineni Meghana has retired from all forms of cricket after a career with Railways, India and the Women’s Premier League. The Andhra Pradesh cricketer was part of India’s Commonwealth Games silver team in 2022 and RCB’s WPL-winning squad in 2024. She shared the decision on social media on Friday. Her farewell looked back on the game, the people around her and what she hopes to do next.
From Domestic Cricket to India
Meghana made her T20I debut against West Indies in Vijayawada on November 20, 2016, in the second T20I. Her ODI debut came later, against New Zealand in Queenstown on February 11, 2022. She played three ODIs and 17 T20Is. Her final ODI was against New Zealand in Queenstown on February 18, 2022, while her last T20I came against Thailand in Sylhet on October 10, 2022, during the Women’s Asia Cup. Later, she struggled to return to India’s T20 setup and missed subsequent ICC events.
In ODIs, Meghana scored 114 runs in three innings, with a highest score of 61 and an average of 38.00. She faced 105 balls at a strike rate of 108.57, made one half-century, hit 17 fours and two sixes, and took one catch. In T20Is, she scored 258 runs in 16 innings, remaining not out twice. Her highest score was 69, average 18.42 and strike rate 102.78 from 251 balls. She made one half-century, hit 38 fours and three sixes, and took four catches. No international bowling figures were supplied.
Commonwealth Games and WPL glory
Meghana was part of India’s silver-medal-winning Commonwealth Games team in 2022. She joined Gujarat Giants for the WPL’s first season and moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024. She was part of RCB’s title-winning squad. Across the league, she played 15 matches for two teams, batting in 14 innings and remaining not out once. She scored 302 runs at an average of 23.23, with 53 as her highest score. She faced 255 balls at a strike rate of 118.43, made one half-century, hit 40 fours and six sixes, and took one catch. No WPL bowling figures were supplied.
Retirement Message and Future Plans
In her retirement post, Meghana wrote: “Stepping onto the field for the very first time with a bat in hand to wear a jersey on world stage has been nothing short of a dream come true. As I announce my retirement from all formats of cricket as a player, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. The field has been my second home, teaching me resilience, humility, and giving me memories and friendships that I will carry for a lifetime,” She thanked her family, coaches, teammates, support staff and fans, adding: “To my family, who stood by me through every peak and valley, thank you for your endless sacrifices. To my coaches, teammates, support staff, thank you for pushing me to be my best and sharing the dressing room with me. And to the fans, your cheers under the floodlights fuelled every single stride I took,”
She also thanked the BCCI, Andhra Cricket Association, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants and RSPB. Meghana wrote: “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the BCCI, the Andhra Cricket Association, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants, and RSPB for their constant support, guidance, and backing throughout my career. Thank you for giving me the platform and opportunities to pursue my passion at the highest level,” She said she would remain close to cricket and plans to mentor the next generation, give back to the sport and serve the game.
Meghana’s playing career ends after representing Railways and India, winning Commonwealth Games silver and being part of RCB’s WPL title-winning squad. She hopes to guide young players and serve cricket beyond her playing days.
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