Deepti Sharma: Crafting Agra’s New Icon with Vision and Promise

Deepti Sharma thrives on being a formidable presence on the cricket field. She’s well aware that opponents are cautious when she’s handed the ball, wary of her sharp off-spin and the possibility of a non-striker run-out. Her mastery of the game’s rules and a powerful arm in the field only add to her prowess.

After 11 years in international cricket, the 28-year-old has earned a remarkable list of accolades and records. However, her crowning moment came in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, where she was named Player of the Tournament, marking a long-awaited pinnacle in her career.

Since that victory, life has been a whirlwind for Deepti. Home for only a few days, she has been in demand for public felicitations, advertising shoots, meetings, and endorsement deals.

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“I haven’t really had the chance to fully process the win,” she shares with Sportstar, amidst a busy ad shoot in Mumbai.

This isn’t entirely new to her. Her performance in the 2017 World Cup caught enough attention to disrupt the Sharma family’s privacy in Agra.

“Though people were sad we didn’t win, they were proud of how far we’d come. There was a time when leaving home without being stopped for a photo or autograph was rare,” she reflects.

This is a stark contrast to the days when neighbors and acquaintances advised her parents against her cricket aspirations.

“Nobody directly told me, but many advised my parents that cricket is not for girls. They should focus on my education and marriage instead. However, my parents paid no heed. Many of those critics are now congratulating me on the World Cup win. Things have definitely changed,” Deepti says with a smile.

The renaming of the road to her home as Arjuna Awardee Cricketer Deepti Sharma Marg further adds to the satisfaction.

“I fondly remember playing gully cricket with friends whenever we got a break or on Sundays. Those memories are still vivid,” Deepti recalls about her early days.

Many of those friends were present to see her celebrated in Agra, perhaps wishing they had pursued their own dreams.

From Shy to Dominant

Her brother Sumit, a cricketer himself, became a pivotal figure in her career. He eventually put his own career aside to open an academy and support Deepti fully.

“If I had been the first in my family to pursue sports, things might have been different,” Deepti reflects.

Cricket initially meant sneaking into her brother’s matches before she convinced her father to support her openly.

Her remarkable throw at the Eklavya Sports Stadium that caught the attention of India international Hemlata Kala is now legendary.

“Deepti was once very shy,” says Rita Dey, former India cricketer and UPCA general manager, who has watched her transformation into an international cricket star.

Originally a medium pacer, Deepti was encouraged by Rita to switch to off-spin due to her bowling action. Deepti accepted this guidance instantly.

“She never says no. Whether it’s opening the batting, adjusting spots, or tackling difficult field positions, Deepti is ready. She’s incredibly hardworking and receptive to advice,” Rita recalls.

“She always sought advice, pondered on it, and matured faster than many of her peers.”

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The Quest for Redemption

Deepti’s determination grew after the 2017 World Cup, a life-changing event. Rita experienced joy but also felt an unfulfilled dream through Deepti.

“I missed playing in the 1997 World Cup due to personal tragedy, but saw a chance through Deepti to be part of a winning journey,” Rita says.

Deepti often recalls the heartbreaking final against England, lost by nine runs.

“A close defeat is much harder to swallow,” she laments, emphasizing the team unity after the loss.

The 2022 World Cup brought another painful memory. A no-ball in a crucial moment against South Africa haunted Deepti for a long time.

“It was especially hard as it was likely Mithali (Raj) and Jhulu di’s (Jhulan Goswami) last game. I felt terrible,” says Deepti, reflecting on her sleepless nights post-defeat.

In the 2025 campaign, when faced with the same opponent, Deepti’s all-round performance helped India clinch the title.

“Remembering 2022, I focused on what needed to be done,” explains Deepti, highlighting her resolve.

Coach Amol Muzumdar nicknamed her ‘Stokesy,’ after England’s Ben Stokes, for her resilience and power on the field.

“He’d say I could manage things on my own, boosting my confidence,” she shares.

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Nicknamed ‘Stokesy’

Deepti prides herself on her on-field calmness, not mistaking aggression for anger.

“Deepti reached out once during a tough phase, worried about performance,” Rita shares about her mentor-mentee relationship with Deepti.

She moved to Bengal to train with Jhulan Goswami, before returning to Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association with their guidance.

Her 2017 World Cup breakthrough and franchise cricket exposure pushed Deepti to improve her batting and fitness, culminating in a successful stint with the Women’s Premier League.

“She worked on the sweep shot and overall fitness, maintaining her natural game but expanding it,” observed Rita.

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True to Her Roots

Deepti balances reinvention and staying true to herself both on and off the field.

Deepti, naturally reserved yet communicative when needed, embodies Agra’s cultural essence. Despite the focus on safety, she remained dedicated and conscientious.

Deepti’s Coach, Rita, recalls trying to convince her to add eggs to her diet for protein and lay more focus on her fitness.

“She insisted on speaking only Hindi in early interviews, saying, ‘Meri matrubhasha Hindi hai,’” Rita remembers fondly.

Deepti overcoming her shy nature to become a role model reflects her grow and commitment to the sport.

Her vision now includes winning an Olympic medal and the T20 World Cup, as she seeks to inspire girls to pursue and persevere in sports.

Rita looks forward to Deepti soaking in the accolades and will eventually invite her for heartfelt conversations, reminding Deepti of the importance of staying grounded.

Published on Nov 20, 2025