India’s Deepti Sharma has made significant strides in the ICC Women’s ODI rankings, climbing to fifth in the bowling category, while Smriti Mandhana retained
Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma, born on 24 August 1997, is a prominent Indian all-rounder who represents Uttar Pradesh, UP Warriorz (WPL), London Spirit (The Hundred), and the Indian Women’s National Team. A dynamic cricketer, she bats left-handed and bowls right-arm off-break, making her one of the most versatile players in women’s cricket.
Known for her consistency and match awareness, Deepti was ranked 3rd among ICC’s top all-rounders in 2018. She also holds the record for the fourth-highest individual score in Women’s ODIs, scoring an astonishing 188 runs against Ireland. As of March 2025, she continues to maintain her elite status, being ranked 5th in the ICC Women’s All-Rounder Rankings.
Early Life
Deepti Bhagwan Sharma was born on August 24, 1997, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. She developed an interest in cricket at a young age, inspired by her brothers. At the age of 9, she was spotted by Indian cricketer Hemlata Kala, who played a key role in mentoring her early development. Despite facing challenges in a male-dominated sport, Deepti’s family supported her aspirations. She grew up playing cricket with boys and quickly developed a reputation for her all-round abilities, especially her accuracy as a left-arm spinner and her calm temperament with the bat.
Domestic Career
Deepti Sharma began her domestic journey with the Uttar Pradesh women’s team and later played for Bengal. Her breakthrough came in 2017 during the domestic season, where she showcased her all-round prowess. She played a crucial role in Bengal’s domestic dominance, consistently performing with both bat and ball. Her ability to stabilize innings and pick wickets in the middle overs made her an essential asset to the team.
She has also represented India A and the India Blue team in domestic competitions like the Challenger Trophy and the Senior Women’s One Day League.
International Career
Debut and Rise
Deepti Sharma made her ODI debut for India on November 28, 2014, against South Africa. She debuted in T20Is in January 2016 against Australia. While her early years saw limited opportunities, she made headlines in 2017 when she scored 188 runs off 160 balls against Ireland — the second-highest individual score in Women’s ODIs at the time.
Her breakthrough performance came during the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup, where she played a pivotal role in helping India reach the final. Her consistent all-round performances turned her into one of the most reliable players in the squad.
ICC Tournaments and Key Contributions
- 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup: Deepti scored crucial runs in the middle order and picked up key wickets, becoming a dependable all-rounder.
- 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Part of the squad that reached the final. Her economical bowling and match awareness were instrumental in key games.
- 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup and 2023 T20 World Cup: Continued to feature as a core member of the Indian lineup.
All-Round Impact
Deepti is known for her unique blend of accurate off-spin bowling and dependable batting in the middle order. She often bowls during powerplays and in death overs, showcasing her ability to handle pressure. Her batting style, while not aggressive, is dependable and tactical — suited for building innings or chasing down totals.
Women’s Premier League (WPL)
Deepti Sharma was signed by UP Warriorz in the inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023. Bought for ₹2.6 crore, she was among the most expensive Indian players. As a vice-captain of the side, she played a vital role in both leadership and performance.
- 2023 WPL Season Highlights:
- Took crucial wickets in the middle overs.
- Provided stability with the bat.
- Contributed in fielding and as a calm on-field leader.
Records and Achievements
Record | Description |
188 Runs | 2nd highest individual score in Women’s ODIs (vs Ireland, 2017) |
Most Economical | Among the most economical bowlers in Indian women’s T20 history |
ICC Recognition | Frequently ranked among top 10 in ICC Women’s ODI and T20 all-rounder rankings |
Padma Shri | Nominated for Padma Shri in recognition of her services to Indian cricket |
Playing Style
Deepti Sharma is a classical all-rounder. As a left-handed batter, she builds innings patiently and can anchor a chase. As a right-arm off-spinner, she thrives on accuracy, variations in flight, and subtle changes in pace. She is also a reliable fielder, often stationed at point or mid-wicket.
Off the Field
Deepti remains humble and grounded, often speaking about her journey from Agra to international cricket. She is a strong advocate for women’s participation in sports and often takes part in grassroots cricket programs to inspire the next generation.
Quick Facts About Deepti Sharma
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Deepti Bhagwan Sharma |
Date of Birth | August 24, 1997 |
Birthplace | Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India |
Batting Style | Left-hand bat |
Bowling Style | Right-arm off-break |
Role | All-rounder |
Teams | India Women, Bengal, UP Warriorz (WPL) |
Latest News on Deepti Sharma
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