Early Life
Deepti Bhagwan Sharma was born on August 24, 1997, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. She was the youngest of seven siblings in a modest family. Her father, Bhagwan Sharma, worked with the Indian Railways and supported his children in their interests. Her elder brother, Sumit Sharma, was a former Uttar Pradesh fast bowler who became her early coach and mentor.
Deepti developed an interest in cricket at the age of 9. One key moment came when she made a 50-meter direct throw while watching her brother practice. The throw impressed then-national selector Hemlata Kala, who was present at the ground. This event marked the beginning of Deepti’s serious cricket journey.
Education
Deepti Sharma completed her early education in Agra. While academics were part of her routine, her passion for cricket started to dominate her life. She managed both studies and cricket training, often traveling long distances to play matches. Her family, especially her brother, supported her both emotionally and financially, even when resources were limited.
Cricket Career Journey
Domestic Cricket
Deepti started playing domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh. Her all-round skills quickly brought her into the spotlight. She played for India A and other domestic teams and consistently performed with both bat and ball.
International Debut
- ODI Debut: November 28, 2014, vs South Africa
- T20I Debut: January 31, 2016, vs Australia
- Test Debut: June 16, 2021, vs England
Deepti’s ability to contribute in all departments made her a regular pick in India’s women’s team.
Major Achievements and Milestones
- World Record Partnership: In May 2017, Deepti scored 188 runs in an opening stand of 320 runs with Poonam Raut against Ireland. This became the highest partnership in women’s ODI history.
- Consistent Performer: Over the years, Deepti has been among India’s most consistent performers in both ODIs and T20Is. She regularly contributes with both bat and ball.
- WPL Performance: In the 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL), she played for UP Warriorz, becoming the team’s top run-scorer with 295 runs and took 9 wickets as well.
- Captaincy: In February 2025, Deepti was named captain of UP Warriorz, succeeding Alyssa Healy. Her leadership style is inspired by Healy’s bold and fearless approach.
- ICC Rankings: Deepti has often been ranked among the top 10 all-rounders in ICC women’s rankings.
Personal Life
Deepti is known for her calm personality and dedication. Nicknamed “Don Deepti” and “Deepu”, she prefers staying away from the limelight. She credits her success to her family’s unwavering support, especially her father and brother.
She is inspired by former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, and she admires how he performed under pressure. Deepti likes to bat higher in the order to take responsibility and assess match conditions better.
Challenges Faced
Deepti’s journey wasn’t easy. Coming from a middle-class family, there were financial challenges, lack of access to quality facilities, and the pressure of balancing studies with sports. She faced rejections early on but stayed focused. Her hard work and her family’s sacrifices finally paid off when she wore the Indian jersey.
Lasting Legacy
Deepti Sharma has become an inspiration for many young girls across India. She has shown that with hard work, patience, and strong support, even someone from a small town can represent the country on the world stage. Her discipline, consistency, and humble attitude make her a role model in Indian women’s cricket.
She continues to play an important role in India’s cricket team and is expected to be a key figure in upcoming ICC tournaments. As captain of UP Warriorz in WPL, she now carries additional responsibility and is grooming the next generation of cricketers.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Deepti Bhagwan Sharma |
| Date of Birth | August 24, 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Education | Schooling in Agra |
| Domestic Teams | Uttar Pradesh, India A, UP Warriorz |
| ODI Debut | November 28, 2014 vs South Africa |
| T20I Debut | January 31, 2016 vs Australia |
| Test Debut | June 16, 2021 vs England |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-break |
| Role | All-rounder |
| Captaincy | UP Warriorz (from 2025) |
| Key Achievements | World record ODI partnership, WPL star, ICC rankings |
| Nicknames | Deepu, Don Deepti |
Deepti Sharma’s biography is not just a story of cricket; it’s a story of grit, dedication, and breaking barriers. From a young girl in Agra with a dream, to an international star and leader, Deepti’s journey continues to inspire millions.