When India’s women cricketers lifted the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup trophy on home soil, it wasn’t just the culmination of a tournament, it was the rewriting of history. The team’s emphatic triumph symbolised resilience and redemption. At the centre of it all stood Deepti Sharma, the all-rounder who has quietly become the heartbeat of Indian cricket.
Named Player of the Tournament, Deepti’s performances with both bat and ball reflected not just skill, but leadership, maturity, and years of unrelenting belief. From being the teenager who couldn’t handle the pressure in the 2017 final to becoming the face of India’s world champion side, Deepti’s journey mirrors the evolution of the women’s game itself – a story of learning, perseverance, and ultimate triumph.
Excerpts from the conversation:
Boria: Deepti, I remember that night in 2017, you were just 19 or 20. From that heartbreak to now holding the World Cup trophy, what’s going through your mind?
Deepti: It’s still taking some time to sink in. When we won, it felt like a dream. After 2017, there were a lot of ups and downs, but I never gave up. I just wanted to contribute to the team and win matches. I learnt a lot from that World Cup. My focus since then was always on improvement, how much better I could get with each match. The 2025 World Cup was our only goal, and playing at home made it even more special.
Trisha: There was a point when you were moved down the batting order and things didn’t click. But during WPL 2025, something changed. What did you do differently?
Deepti: I changed my mindset. It doesn’t matter where you bat, if you’re mentally prepared, you can achieve anything. I practised hard before WPL and had the confidence that if the management trusted me, I could deliver. Lisa [Sthalekar] backed me a lot. I started playing with freedom, focusing on my natural game. That belief carried into the World Cup.
Boria: Let’s talk about those early World Cup matches. India lost three close games, including against England and South Africa. But then came that remarkable semifinal win over Australia. What was the turning point?
Deepti: Those early matches taught us a lot. Personally, I realised I was missing my natural game. After that, I promised myself to play freely, to trust my instincts. As a team, we had belief. Even when things weren’t going our way, we knew one good game could turn everything around. The semifinal was about handling pressure and staying calm. That’s the identity of this team, we fight back.
Trisha: You also seemed to take on more leadership responsibility in this World Cup. We saw you setting fields, guiding younger players like N Shree Charani and Kranti Gaud. How did that evolve?
Deepti: I enjoy challenges. When I started, I learned from my seniors; now I’m among the senior players myself. I always try to help youngsters, whether it’s in matches or nets. Leadership, for me, is about creating an environment where players feel free. The more freedom we give them, the faster they will be able to read the situation. That’s something I learnt from my WPL experience. Don’t burden players with pressure; let them enjoy the game.
Boria: With the WPL auction coming up, would you be open to a leadership role, maybe even national captaincy someday?
Deepti: I’m happy to take whatever comes my way. Everything isn’t in your control, you just need to be ready. Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone for the team. So yes, if the opportunity comes, I’ll take it gladly.
Trisha: Take us to the final. You bowled that perfect yorker under immense pressure. What was going on in your mind at that moment?
Deepti: I always plan my A and B options before a game. When one doesn’t work, the other usually does. At that moment, I trusted my preparation. I knew if I backed my strength, it would come off. I visualised it and it worked. That wicket was special.
Boria: Beyond celebrations, what’s the larger impact of this win? Will this truly change women’s cricket in India?
Deepti: Absolutely. Women’s cricket has already grown a lot since 2017, but this win will take it to the next level. There are more academies, more girls playing the game, and families supporting them. I want young girls to dream big and get the backing they need from their families. We’ve created a legacy that will inspire the next generation.
Trisha: You had two very special people watching from the stands, Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami. What was that moment like?
Deepti: Emotional. When we lifted the trophy and handed it to them, it was overwhelming. They’re the reason we started playing. To have them there, sharing that moment, it was a blessing.
Boria: Finally, how did your family celebrate?
Deepti: (smiles) I haven’t gone home yet! My family is planning something, I think a roadshow. They’ve kept it a surprise. I can’t wait to meet them. Before the semifinal and final, I went to Lord Hanuman’s temple to pray, and I’ll visit again to thank him.
Boria: Then, it’s settled. When you go to England next year, Trisha will find the Hanuman temple in London and make sure the ritual continues!
(All laugh)
Boria: Deepti, this is India’s 1983 moment for women’s cricket. Be proud of what you’ve done. This victory will be remembered forever.
Deepti: Thank you. It’s been an incredible journey. We’ll carry this confidence into the next World Cup. This is just the beginning.
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🗣️When we lifted the trophy and handed it to them, it was overwhelming. They’re the reason we started playing. – @Deepti_Sharma06 on @M_Raj03 and @JhulanG10
Speaks to @BoriaMajumdar and @TrishaGhosal on the #ICCWomensWorldCup2025 triumph.… pic.twitter.com/wIAVWUInIR
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) November 12, 2025