The Indian women’s team has made history by clinching the ICC ODI World Cup 2025, joining the ranks of Kapil Dev’s legendary 1983 World Champion team. Leading this monumental victory was Harmanpreet Kaur, but the spotlight is firmly on the team’s all-rounder Deepti Sharma.
In the high-stakes final against South Africa, Deepti’s outstanding performance, scoring 58 runs and taking 5 wickets, was pivotal in turning the game around.
Deepti’s journey to this historic win was far from easy. Her father, Bhagwan Sharma, faced societal taunts but remained undeterred in supporting his daughter’s cricketing aspirations.
Deepti’s stellar performance wasn’t limited to the final; she showcased her exceptional skills throughout the tournament, scoring three half-centuries,
amassing 215 runs, and claiming 22 wickets — a feat no female player had achieved before. She emerged as the highest wicket-taker of the World Cup.
Deepti Sharma, who is fast emerging as one of the game’s finest all-rounders, was born on August 24, 1997, to Bhagwan Sharma and Sushila. Her father worked with the railways. Born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, she grew up in Awadhpuri Colony in Shahganj and is the youngest among her siblings. Her brother Sumit Sharma also played cricket but did not achieve the same fame as Deepti.
Her Cricket Story Started With One Throw
Deepti’s passion for cricket ignited during her brother’s practice sessions. Despite her mother’s objections, she would sneak out to watch, and one day, a powerful throw caught the eye of former Indian batter Hemlata Kala. Recognising her potential, Kala invited Deepti for training at the Eklavya Sports Complex, setting her cricketing journey in motion.
Her Father Faced Taunts From Neighbours
Deepti’s father decided to support her dreams, accompanying her to the stadium at the age of 8. People around them began taunting her father: “Where are you sending this girl? Cricket is a boy’s game. She should study, become a doctor or engineer.” Deepti’s father recalled these remarks in an interview with The Indian Express.
Her rise continued in 2016 with a five-wicket haul in an ODI, and in 2017, she made headlines with a record-setting 188 runs and a 320-run opening partnership with Poonam Raut.
Throughout her career, Deepti has excelled in multiple formats. In 129 T20 matches, she scored 1,100 runs and took 147 wickets. In 121 ODIs, she accumulated 2,739 runs and 162 wickets. Additionally, in 5 Test matches, she scored 319 runs and took 20 wickets.
