Deepti Bhagwan Sharma, born on August 24, 1997, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, has become one of India’s premier women cricketers renowned for her all-round skills. A left-handed batswoman and right-arm offbreak bowler, Deepti’s journey to international cricket is inspiring and remarkable.
Growing up in Agra, cricket was always a family passion, particularly influenced by her elder brother Sumit Sharma, himself a former cricketer. As a young girl, Deepti would accompany Sumit to training sessions, soaking in the game’s intricacies. A memorable moment early in her cricket journey was when, during a net session, her long throw from the boundary knocked the stumps, catching the eye of national selector Hemlata Kala, heralding the start of her professional prospects.
Deepti made her One Day International (ODI) debut for India at just 17 years old in 2014 against South Africa. Soon after, she also debuted in T20 Internationals cementing her place as a key player. Over the years, Deepti has attained several milestones, including a record 188-run innings against Ireland in ODIs and a world-record partnership of 320 runs with Punam Raut. She is known not only for her batting but also for critical breakthroughs with the ball, consistently rescuing the team in tough situations.
Her versatility shines through as she plays pivotal roles across formats, combining endurance, tactical bowling variations, and impactful middle to top-order batting. Deepti’s leadership abilities surfaced as she captained UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), further displaying her all-round capabilities.
Throughout her career, Deepti Sharma has defied societal stereotypes, emerging from a supportive family background that believed in breaking norms and nurturing talent. Her brother’s sacrifices and encouragement played a vital role in her rise, marking a poignant story of passion, determination, and familial support.
Today, Deepti Sharma stands as a beacon of Indian women’s cricket, embodying the spirit of commitment and skill. Her journey from the bylanes of Agra to global cricketing arenas inspires countless young girls across the country and reinforces the importance of perseverance and family backing in achieving sporting excellence.