Before boarding a train from Agra to Mumbai, Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma shared a quiet but heartfelt moment with her brother and mentor, Sumit Sharma. The memories of heartbreaks past – especially the 2017 World Cup final that slipped from India’s grasp by just nine runs – were still fresh. But this time, Deepti made a firm vow: no matter what, she would not let the World Cup trophy leave Indian soil.
“Before the final, she looked me in the eye and said, ‘Bhaiya, we’ve reached the finals twice. In 2017, we were just nine runs away. I’ll give every ounce of my effort – with the bat, the ball, or in the field. Whatever happens, I won’t let this trophy go from India.’ And after the match, when we met on the field, she asked, ‘Bhaiya, I kept my promise, didn’t I?’” Sumit recalled with pride.
India’s 3D Champion
As Sumit often says, a true all-rounder plays one match three times – as a batter, bowler, and fielder. And in the World Cup final, Deepti did exactly that.
| Role | Performance | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Batter | Scored 58 runs off 58 balls | Anchored India’s innings close to 300 |
| Fielder | Executed a run out with a direct throw | Shifted momentum towards India |
| Bowler | Took 5 wickets for 39 runs | Dismissed key players including Laura Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen |
Her final wicket – a dipping low full toss that Nadine de Klerk lofted straight to Harmanpreet Kaur – will be replayed for generations, marking the moment India sealed their World Cup triumph.
A Promise Fulfilled, a Dream Shared
“I started playing cricket because of my brother,” Deepti told ICC, standing beside Sumit, who was visibly emotional. “He sacrificed a lot for me, even quitting his job so that I could chase my dream. To lift the trophy in front of him and our family feels incredibly special.”
It was a moment of vindication for Sumit, who had left his corporate career over a decade ago to guide Deepti full-time. “Because of my sister, I got to hold the World Cup trophy and take pictures with the Indian flag. It’s the most unforgettable moment of my life,” he said.
“When I quit my job, I had no idea when or whether Deepti would play for India,” he added. “But I knew one thing – I had to do everything in my power to make it possible. After that, destiny took us beyond our dreams. When you put your whole heart and mind into something, the universe aligns in your favour.”
The Journey from Spin to Stardom
Deepti’s cricketing journey began years ago when she followed her brother to local matches, throwing balls from the sidelines. Sumit noticed her natural fielding instincts early on. Later, he encouraged her to switch from medium pace to spin – a move that proved transformative. Through years of disciplined training, she evolved into one of the finest off-spinners in world cricket.
Deepti ended the World Cup as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, coupled with three fifties that demonstrated her growing prowess with the bat. Her balance, temperament, and versatility established her as the heartbeat of India’s campaign.
A Symbol of Dedication and Grace
During a family conversation before the World Cup, Sumit predicted that Deepti would thrive higher up the batting order. He was right. In the grand final, batting at number five, she became the first-ever player in ICC Women’s World Cup history to score a fifty and take a five-wicket haul in the same match.
From the streets of Agra to the grand stage of Navi Mumbai, Deepti Sharma’s journey is not just a story of cricketing brilliance – it is a saga of sibling sacrifice, perseverance, and destiny fulfilled.
Her words still echo softly in the celebrations that followed:
“Bhaiya, I kept my promise.”