Deepti Sharma: Player Profile of India’s Off-Spinning Women’s All-Rounder

Deepti Sharma is one of the most accomplished all-rounders in Indian women’s cricket. An off-spinner with a reputation for control, and a left-handed batter who can bat in several positions, she has been a key player for India across formats since 2014.

Early life and rise

Born in Agra in 1997, Deepti began playing cricket at a young age, encouraged by her family, and was spotted in age-group cricket in Uttar Pradesh. She later played domestic cricket for Bengal. She made her international debut in 2014, and played a Test against England at Wormsley that same year.

Playing style

As a bowler, Deepti is an accurate off-spinner, relying on flat trajectory, subtle variations and good control of line and length. She is hard to score off in the middle overs and is often used in the Powerplay. As a batter she is technically sound, comfortable at the top of the order or in the middle, and has the strokes to accelerate.

Career highlights

One of her best-known innings was an unbeaten 188 against Ireland in an ODI in Potchefstroom in 2017, in which she and Poonam Raut shared an opening stand of 320, then a world-record opening partnership in women’s ODIs. She was also part of the India team that reached the final of the 2017 Women’s World Cup at Lord’s.

She has played in Tests, One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, and has been among India’s leading wicket-takers in the shorter formats.

Franchise and overseas cricket

Deepti has played for Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League. In the Women’s Premier League in India she represented UP Warriorz, where she was one of the most prominent signings at the inaugural auction.

Legacy

Deepti’s combination of reliable spin and useful batting has made her indispensable for India. She is regarded as an example of the growing depth of Indian women’s cricket and is a role model for young all-rounders.

Frequently asked questions

What is Deepti Sharma’s best-known innings?

She made an unbeaten 188 in an ODI against Ireland in 2017, sharing a 320-run opening stand with Poonam Raut.

What is Deepti Sharma’s bowling style?

She bowls right-arm off breaks and bats left-handed.

Which WPL team has Deepti Sharma played for?

She has represented UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League.