Indian women’s cricket team all-rounder and recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award, Deepti Sharma, is currently showcasing her skills in the second season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Representing the UP Warriors, the stellar athlete has etched her name in history by achieving a remarkable feat – becoming the first Indian bowler to secure a hat-trick in the league’s annals. This momentous accomplishment was realized during a gripping encounter against Delhi on March 8, a match where Deepti’s stellar performance propelled UP to victory by a razor-thin margin of one run. Despite this triumph, her team fell short of qualifying for the playoffs.
Deepti Sharma’s journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cricketers, particularly the youth. The 26-year-old southpaw has amassed an impressive tally of 295 runs in the ongoing WPL season, ranking third in the list of top run-scorers. Hailing from Agra, Deepti’s ascent from a humble middle-class background to representing the Indian cricket team was laden with challenges. Making her international debut in 2014, Deepti has since donned the national colors in four Tests, 86 ODIs, and 104 T20 international matches, amassing a commendable total of 3314 runs and claiming 229 international wickets.
A pivotal figure in Deepti’s journey to success has been her brother Sumit, who played a pivotal role in nurturing her talent from a tender age. Introducing her to the sport at the age of nine, Deepti received unwavering support from her parents, Bhagwan Sharma and Sushila Sharma, both employed with the Railways. Sumit, himself a talented cricketer who represented UP at the Under 19 and Under 23 levels, played a crucial role in honing Deepti’s skills, enabling her to make a mark on the global stage.
Reflecting on his sister’s achievement, Sumit Sharma recalled the momentous day in November 2014 when Deepti secured a coveted spot in the Indian women’s cricket team. Overwhelmed with joy, he affirmed that his decision to forego his job had been vindicated. Sumit’s unwavering commitment to his sister’s development saw him dedicate countless hours to accompany her to practice sessions, a sacrifice he made willingly in pursuit of her dream. “I resigned from my job, determined to accompany my sister to the stadium for morning and evening practice sessions,” he remarked, underscoring the depth of his support and dedication to Deepti’s sporting aspirations.
