The Indian women’s cricket team created history by winning the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, etching their name alongside Kapil Dev’s legendary 1983 champions. At the heart of this monumental victory was Deepti Sharma, the all-rounder whose match-winning performance — scoring 58 runs and taking five wickets in the final against South Africa — turned the tide for India. But Deepti’s journey to glory was anything but easy. Behind her success lies a story of perseverance, belief, and a father who ignored society’s taunts to support his daughter’s dream and a brother’s strong believe on her talent.
A Historic Tournament
Throughout the tournament, Deepti delivered consistent match-winning performances. She scored 215 runs with three half-centuries and claimed 22 wickets, becoming the tournament’s highest wicket-taker — a feat no woman cricketer had achieved before.
Early Life in Agra
Born on August 24, 1997, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Deepti is the youngest child of Bhagwan Sharma, who worked with the railways, and Sushila Sharma, a primary school principal. The family lived in Shahganj’s Avadhpuri Colony. Her elder brother, Sumit Sharma, was also a state-level cricketer — and it was while watching him practice that Deepti’s love for the game began.
The Throw That Changed Everything
Deepti’s cricket journey began by chance. When she was eight years old, she accompanied her brother to the Eklavya Sports Stadium in Agra, where he was attending net practice. On that day, former India cricketer Hemlata Kala was coaching young players. Deepti joined the session out of curiosity — and when she threw the ball from 50 meters, it hit the stumps directly. Impressed, Hemlata asked her to throw again, and Deepti hit the target once more.
Hemlata, amazed by her raw talent, asked, “How long have you been playing cricket?” Deepti replied, “I just came to watch my brother play.” Hemlata then turned to Sumit and said, “She should play cricket — one day she’ll represent India.” That single throw changed Deepti’s life forever.
Overcoming Social Pressure
In an interview with Indian Express, Deepti’s father, Bhagwan Sharma, recalls those early days, “When Deepti started going to the stadium with Sumit, she was only eight. Our neighbours and relatives would say, ‘Why are you sending a girl to play cricket? She should study and become a doctor or engineer. Cricket is a man’s game.’ But today, those same people ask when Deepti is visiting — they all want a photo with her.”
By the age of 15, Deepti had started emerging as a promising all-rounder, but selection didn’t come easy. Former India player and selector Rita Dey took her under her wing and helped guide her through the early struggles.
A Brother’s Sacrifice
Deepti’s brother Sumit who had played for Uttar Pradesh in the Under-22 CK Nayudu Trophy, quit his corporate job in Ghaziabad after just eight months to help his sister pursue cricket full-time.
“I convinced our family to let me coach her. For two years, we worked tirelessly to refine her skills,” he told The Times of India. Today, Sumit runs a cricket academy in Agra, training young talents like his sister once was.
Rise to Stardom
Deepti made her India debut in November 2014. She played her first domestic season for Uttar Pradesh in 2014–15. Between 2017 and 2024, she represented Bengal, where she evolved into one of India’s most dependable off-spinners.
Her breakout moment came in 2016, when she took five wickets in an ODI — becoming the youngest Indian bowler to do so at just 18. In 2017, she scored 188 runs in an ODI, the second-highest individual score in women’s cricket history, and partnered Poonam Raut for a record 320-run opening stand, which still stands as a world record.
From facing societal criticism to becoming India’s biggest match-winner on the world stage, Deepti Sharma’s story is one of courage, conviction, and family support. Her journey — which began with a single throw that hit the stumps — now stands as an enduring symbol of how talent, when nurtured with faith and perseverance, can make history.
