It has been a surreal 10 days for India’s victorious Women’s World Cup squad, and none more so than Deepti Sharma, the Player of the Tournament. From VIP visits to temple darshans, the team has been in the spotlight like never before, reliving a game-changing moment for Indian women’s cricket. Deepti, in an exclusive interview, opens up about her emotions, the challenges she has faced, and the future of women’s cricket.
Has the feeling of being World Champions sunk in yet?
“Not really! Honestly, it still feels the same. After the final, I had a few days off and went to the temples, but the same thoughts keep running through my mind. Every time I see the moments of the final, it feels really good. But it still hasn’t sunk in completely.”
What have these last few days been like for you and your teammates?
“After the final, we had a team celebration, and then I had the privilege of meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Draupadi Murmu. I also took some time to visit temples. These ten days have been really special. Now, I’m looking forward to reuniting with my family, and I’m excited to see them.”
How do you think this victory will impact the future of women’s cricket in India?
“This victory will have a huge impact, and it’s hard to put into words. Things started changing after 2017, when the BCCI started giving us more opportunities. We began to play more matches, including Test matches, and the introduction of the WPL was a game-changer. I believe that after this World Cup win, things will only get better. There are still gaps to be filled, but the fact that we now have pay parity with the men’s team is a huge step forward. Women’s cricket is growing faster than ever, and this victory will inspire the next generation to take up the sport.”
What does being Player of the Tournament mean to you?
“It feels like a dream! I’ve always wished that when we became champions, I would be able to deliver a standout performance. And I feel so fortunate that I was able to contribute in a way that helped us lift the trophy. I was completely focused on what I needed to do in each situation, and I trusted my abilities.”
You’ve played key roles in two iconic wins over Australia in World Cup knockouts – 2017 and now 2025. How did you approach those games?
“We always believed that if anyone could beat Australia, it was us. As a team, we had that confidence. Every player had the same mindset: if we played our best, we could beat them. It wasn’t a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’. And in both World Cups, players stepped up when it mattered most. That was the best part: everyone contributed in crucial moments.”
Do you think this win helped you overcome mental barriers from previous World Cups, especially after the no-ball incident in 2017 and the dropped catch in this final?
“Whenever I make a mistake, I try to stay positive. Cricket is a game of errors, and no one can be perfect all the time. I look at my mistakes and focus on how to improve. I don’t dwell on them for too long. In the final, I knew that I had to perform for the team. There was no time to waste. My mindset was simple: ‘This is my chance, and I have to take it.’ That positive mindset really helped me bounce back.”
How did the 2025 final against South Africa compare to the 2017 final against England?
“In 2017, we were chasing a total, which brought its own pressure. But since then, as a team, we’ve grown mentally stronger. We know now that we can beat any team, any day. We focus on our own strengths rather than worrying about the opposition. That mindset shift has been crucial for us.”
With your increasing role as a key batter in the team, how have you worked on your power-hitting game?
“I’ve worked a lot on power hitting during practice. The WPL really helped me develop this aspect of my game. I’ve learned how to pick my moments to strike and when to rotate the strike. It’s all about reading the situation and being confident in your ability to execute when required. I enjoy taking on challenges, whether it’s a high-pressure game or a regular match. Playing positive cricket is something I enjoy, and I always try to bring that into my batting.”
As someone who bowls in the death overs, can you explain your approach to this crucial phase of the game?
“The camps we had before the World Cup were extremely helpful in preparing us for different conditions. We practiced in various environments, including unfamiliar pitches, which helped us adapt quickly. I often discuss strategies with our bowling coach, Avishkar Salvi, especially when I’m bowling in the death overs. We worked on variations, including yorkers and changing angles, to make sure we can execute under pressure. It’s about staying calm and trusting your best deliveries, like my off-spin.”
With the T20 World Cup coming up next year, what are the key areas you aim to improve in your game?
“The T20 World Cup will definitely be in our thoughts as we begin our preparations. While we’re not thinking about it constantly, it will be part of our process as we train and plan for the year ahead. We’ll work on refining our game in all areas and be ready for the challenge.”
How much has the WPL helped players like you?
“My experience in the 2024 WPL season was a game-changer. I batted in different positions, which taught me how to adapt my game based on the situation. Playing alongside international players also gave me insights into their mindset, which helped me understand my own game better. I worked on those aspects during practice, and it’s been extremely beneficial.”
Deepti Sharma’s evolution as a cricketer mirrors the rise of women’s cricket in India. With a blend of resilience, belief, and adaptability, she’s not only been a pivotal figure in India’s World Cup success but also a symbol of how far women’s cricket has come. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Deepti and her teammates will continue to raise the bar, inspiring the next generation of cricketers.