It feels like a dream – Deepti Sharma on India’s title-winning ICC Women’s World Cup campaign
From being the last recognized batter to get out in the 2017 World Cup final against England to dismantling the South African batting unit in the 2025 World Cup final, it was a redemption arc like none other for Deepti Sharma. Sharma’s all-round performance in the summit clash saw her registering 58 runs with the bat, following which she picked five wickets, undoubtedly playing a massive hand in India's historic win in the final.
With 215 runs and 22 wickets to her name, Deepti bagged the Player of the Tournament award. Talking at the post-match presentation, Sharma expressed her raw emotions, her gratitude to the fans for turning up in overwhelming numbers while also sharing mutual respect for Laura Wolvaardt, whose century went in vain.
Emoting herself and expressing her gratitude for the fans, Deepti said, “Honestly, we still can't believe this result. It feels like a dream. But very happy I could contribute like this today. We always try to take away positives from the match. Also have to thank the fans, they came in huge numbers today, because they support us in every game. Without them it wouldn't be possible, thanks to them. As a team we feel so good after this result.”
Revealing how she reacts to challenges, Sharma added, “I always enjoy whatever department I'm in. Whatever situation I'm in, because I like challenges. Today, I got the same thing that I had a ball in my hand and bat in hand. I had to play according to that situation. And I enjoyed it a lot. And what better moment than this to go on stage and perform as an all-rounder for your team. It can't be more amazing than this.”
Spilling the beans on how India assessed the situation when Wolvaardt batted, Deepti said, “I think Laura played a very good inning, honestly. But we were not relaxed anywhere. We were very calm. We were always cheering each other up, whenever there was a drinks break. And as a bowling unit, we were talking that we have to go till the last ball. And we have to focus more on our best ball. And we did the same thing.”
She concluded with a wish for the future, stating, “There have been a lot of changes since 2017. And I would like to say if we play more number of matches from now on, it will be good. And finally I would like to dedicate this trophy to my mom and dad.”
