In what can only be called a spectacular moment for India women’s cricket, the stable of World Champions now, Deepti Sharma’s deeds shall be remembered for times to come. Why is that? For starters, the Agra-born cricketer ended up with 22 wickets, the most by any women’s cricketer ever in any World Cup edition. And on top of that the earnest, not-always-talked-about cricketer also contributed mightily to India’s sensational world cup win by playing the part of the experienced figurehead was- and is- something to admire.
The key point here being, just how many die hard fans of the sport, who simply think of it as being a lair of the men’s game, pay note?
Regardless, whether or not someone cares enough about the women’s sport despite this ecstatic win or not, truth is, Deepti Sharma, much like her colleagues, came up with an ace and that too, when it was most required.
The ability to make the ball talk, claim wickets and play a part of the all rounder that the team so desperately needed at a time where some of India’s key bowling assets were injured- think Pooja Vastrakar- made Deepti Sharma’s contributions in the just concluded World Cup brilliant. May we say, unmistakably important?
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Go no further than the time when just before the finals, Deepti emerged with a game-changing spell towards the back of Australia women’s inning when the girls from Straya were going all guns blazing with Ash Gardner doing damage.
Despite going for one run too many, that India’s affable daughter picked 2 wickets during the big first inning team total and was actually on a hat-trick only for Meghan Schutt to deny her one speaks of the off spinner’s brilliant talent.
And next, how obvious could it even be, that Deepti picked a fifer in the World Cup 2025 finals is something to be proud of.
The brilliant statistical output notwithstanding, which by the way was 5 for 39, Deepti Sharma’s big wicket of Laura Wolvaardt proved to be the turning point in the contest at DY Patil that brought forth happiness and joy for a world that believes in women’s cricket.
Moreover, Sharma, 255 international games young for India, is now the beholder of a significant, landmark record. How come? She is the first player, male or female, to record 200+ runs and 20+ wickets in a single World Cup edition, scoring 215 runs with the bat.
If this isn’t something to cherish about, then what is?