Deepti Sharma playing for the Indian women’s cricket team as an all-rounder during an international cricket match.

Deepti Sharma has established herself as one of the most dependable all-rounders in Indian women’s cricket. Renowned for her composed batting, disciplined off-spin bowling, and ability to perform under pressure, she has become a vital member of the Indian team across all three formats. From humble beginnings in Agra to representing India on the world stage and in leading franchise leagues, her career reflects consistency, resilience, and continuous growth.

Over the years, Sharma has earned recognition as a player capable of changing the course of a match with both bat and ball. Her performances in domestic cricket, international tournaments, and franchise competitions have made her one of the defining figures of modern Indian women’s cricket.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Cricketing Beginnings

Deepti Bhagwan Sharma was born on 24 August 1997 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. She is the youngest among her siblings and grew up in a family that encouraged her sporting ambitions. Her father, Bhagwan Sharma, worked with the Indian Railways, while her mother, Sushilaa Sharma, managed the household.

Her introduction to cricket came through her elder brother Sumit Sharma, a former Uttar Pradesh fast bowler. While accompanying him to practice sessions at Ekalavya Sports Stadium in Agra, Deepti gradually developed a passion for the game.

A turning point came during a training session when she executed a remarkable direct hit from nearly 50 metres. The throw caught the attention of former India cricketer and national selector Hemlata Kala, who recognised her potential and encouraged her to pursue cricket seriously.

That moment marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead her to the Indian national team.

International Debut and Early Success

Deepti Sharma made her One Day International (ODI) debut for India against South Africa on 28 November 2014 in Bengaluru.

Her calm temperament and all-round abilities quickly earned the confidence of selectors. As her career progressed, she established herself across all three formats of the game, becoming one of India’s most reliable performers with both bat and ball.

Her breakthrough year came in 2017, when she partnered with Poonam Raut to register a world-record opening partnership of 320 runs against Ireland.

During that innings, Sharma scored 188 runs, setting a new benchmark in women’s ODI cricket and helping India record one of its most memorable batting performances.

Later that year, she represented India in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, contributing 216 runs and 12 wickets as India reached the final.

Although India finished runners-up, Sharma emerged as one of the tournament’s standout all-rounders.

Domestic Cricket and Franchise Success

Alongside her international career, Deepti Sharma has built an impressive domestic and franchise record.

She has represented several teams, including:

Uttar Pradesh
Bengal
Western Storm (England)
London Spirit (The Hundred)
Sydney Thunder (Women’s Big Bash League)
Melbourne Stars
UP Warriorz (Women’s Premier League)

Her move to Bengal proved particularly significant, where playing alongside veteran fast bowler Jhulan Goswami helped refine her game and leadership skills.

During the 2017–18 domestic season, Sharma scored 312 runs at an average of 104, including five half-centuries, while also taking nine wickets.

These performances reinforced her reputation as one of India’s leading all-round cricketers.

Women’s Premier League Impact

The launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) opened another important chapter in Sharma’s career.

She was signed by UP Warriorz during the inaugural WPL auction for ₹2.6 crore, reflecting her value as a proven international all-rounder.

In March 2024, Sharma achieved another milestone by becoming the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in Women’s Premier League history, accomplishing the feat against Delhi Capitals.

Her consistent contributions with bat and ball throughout the tournament earned her the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the 2024 WPL season.

Playing Style and Strengths

Deepti Sharma’s greatest strength lies in her versatility.

As a left-handed batter and right-arm off-break bowler, she provides India with balance in both batting and bowling departments.

Her batting is built on patience, shot selection, and the ability to anchor an innings when required. With the ball, she relies on accuracy, flight, and subtle variations to create pressure and break important partnerships.

She is equally valued for her fielding, tactical awareness, and calm decision-making during high-pressure situations.

These qualities have made her one of India’s most dependable match-winners.

Recognition Beyond Cricket

Sharma’s achievements have earned recognition both on and off the field.

She received the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Domestic Senior Women’s Cricketer in 2018, acknowledging her outstanding performances in domestic cricket.

In January 2025, she was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Uttar Pradesh Police under the sports quota, recognising her contribution to Indian sport and her achievements as an international cricketer.

The appointment reflected her growing stature as one of India’s leading sporting personalities.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Deepti Sharma’s rise from Agra to international cricket has inspired countless aspiring cricketers, particularly young girls from smaller cities and towns.

Her journey demonstrates that discipline, consistency, and perseverance can open doors to the highest levels of professional sport.

As women’s cricket continues to gain popularity in India through stronger domestic competitions and franchise leagues, Sharma remains an important role model for the next generation of players.

Looking Ahead

Still in the prime of her career, Deepti Sharma continues to be an integral part of India’s plans across Test, ODI, and T20 cricket.

With major international tournaments ahead, including future ICC events and continental competitions, her experience and all-round abilities are expected to remain central to India’s ambitions.

Her ability to contribute in every department of the game makes her one of the team’s most valuable assets.

From a promising youngster in Agra to one of India’s finest all-rounders, Deepti Sharma’s journey reflects the remarkable progress of women’s cricket in the country. Her performances continue to shape India’s success while inspiring a new generation to dream bigger on the cricket field.

Most Searched FAQs

Q1. Who is Deepti Sharma?

Deepti Sharma is an Indian international cricketer who plays as an all-rounder for the Indian women’s cricket team.

Q2. What is Deepti Sharma’s age?

Deepti Sharma was born on 24 August 1997 and is 28 years old as of 2025.

Q3. What is Deepti Sharma’s role in the Indian cricket team?

She is an all-rounder who bats left-handed and bowls right-arm off-break, contributing in all formats of international cricket.

Q4. Which teams has Deepti Sharma represented?

She has played for Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Western Storm, London Spirit, Sydney Thunder, Melbourne Stars, UP Warriorz, and the Indian women’s national cricket team.

Q5. What are Deepti Sharma’s major achievements?

Her achievements include a world-record 320-run opening partnership with Poonam Raut, becoming the first Indian to take a WPL hat-trick, winning the WPL MVP award, and establishing herself as one of India’s leading all-rounders.

Q6. What awards has Deepti Sharma received?

She has received the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Domestic Senior Women’s Cricketer and was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Uttar Pradesh Police under the sports quota.

Q7. Why is Deepti Sharma regarded as one of India’s best all-rounders?

Her ability to consistently contribute with both bat and ball, perform under pressure, and deliver across international and franchise cricket has made her one of the most dependable all-rounders in Indian women’s cricket.