Women’s World Cup Hero Deepti Sharma Has a Special Connection with Rajasthan — Her Brother Is a Renowned Faculty Member in Kota

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Kota (Rajasthan): India’s women’s cricket team created history by winning the Women’s World Cup, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final at the DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai. The architect of this victory was none other than all-rounder Deepti Sharma, whose stellar performance — a 58-run knock off 58 balls and five crucial wickets — turned the tide in India’s favor.

While Deepti hails from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, her family shares a deep connection with Rajasthan. Her elder brother Avlesh Sharma is a faculty member at a reputed coaching institute in Kota, the country’s leading education hub. Speaking to the media, Avlesh expressed immense pride in his sister’s achievement, recalling her journey from the narrow lanes of Agra to the global cricketing stage.

A Childhood of Determination and Passion

Deepti’s brother fondly remembered her early days, saying, “She was just eight when she started playing cricket. We are five brothers and two sisters, and Deepti is the youngest. She would always insist on accompanying us to the ground. One day, while watching a match from outside the field, she threw a ball that directly hit the stumps — that moment changed everything.”

Her natural talent caught the coach’s attention, and soon she was invited to practice with the team. “Our younger brother Sumit, who was a state-level player, always believed that Deepti would play for India someday,” Avlesh added proudly.

Turning Past Pain into Triumph

Avlesh further shared that Deepti’s outstanding performance in the World Cup final was not just about one match but years of relentless effort and redemption from past heartbreaks. “In the 2017 and 2022 World Cups, Deepti was part of the team but faced tough defeats. The pain of those moments fueled her determination to win this time.”

Their father, Shree Bhagwan Sharma, works as a supervisor with Indian Railways, and their mother, Sushila Sharma, is a school principal. Despite social pressures and criticism, the family always stood firmly behind Deepti, motivating her to stay focused.

Inspiration from Raina and Dhoni

Deepti considers Suresh Raina her idol and has modeled her game after him — a left-handed batter and right-arm off-spinner. She has also learned the art of staying calm under pressure from MS Dhoni, India’s legendary former captain. A devoted follower of Lord Hanuman, Deepti even has his tattoo inked on her arm and applies tilak before every match for good luck.

At home, she prefers watching old cricket matches over movies or news. Her brother shared emotionally, “When India lifted the trophy on Sunday night, our eyes filled with tears of pride. Deepti and every woman in that team made the entire nation proud.”

— Report by Sachcha Dost Sports Network