Deepti Sharma is an Indian international all-rounder who holds several major records in women’s cricket. She scored 188 runs in a single ODI against Ireland in 2017, one of the highest individual scores by an Indian woman, and was part of the record-breaking 320-run partnership with Poonam Raut, the highest partnership in women’s international cricket across all formats. With the ball, she registered 6 wickets for 20 runs against Sri Lanka, one of India’s best bowling figures in women’s ODIs. Since making her international debut in 2014, she has represented India in multiple ICC Women’s World Cups and T20 World Cups, remained a regular all-rounder across formats for over a decade, and became one of the highest-paid players in the inaugural Women’s Premier League, signed by UP Warriorz for ₹2.6 crore, reflecting both her on-field impact and long-term consistency at the highest level.
⚡ Quick Facts
Early Life and Background
Full Name: Deepti Sharma
Date of Birth: 24 August 1997
Birthplace: Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
Deepti Sharma grew up in Agra in a middle-class family. Cricket was not her original plan. Her elder brother, Sumit Sharma, wanted to become a professional cricketer and played age-group cricket for Uttar Pradesh (Under-19 and Under-22 levels). Deepti was introduced to cricket indirectly through him.
As a child, she treated her brother’s cricket kit as toys. Helmets, gloves, and bats were part of her daily play. There was no structured training or academy in her early years. At that stage, she had no awareness of professional cricket or national selection pathways. wikipedia
First Recognition and Early Coaching
A turning point came when Deepti attended one of her brother’s matches. A ball came toward the boundary where she was sitting. She picked it up and threw it back toward the wicketkeeper. The throw hit the stumps directly.
Former India women’s cricketer Hemlata Kala, who was present at the ground, noticed this moment and asked who the child was. When she learned Deepti was Sumit’s younger sister, she advised the family to formally train her in cricket, predicting she could play for India.
Initially, Deepti was coached by her brother. When Sumit later moved to Ghaziabad for work after completing his MBA, Deepti’s progress slowed. Recognizing this, Sumit left his job to support Deepti’s cricket full-time, managing her training and travel.
Role Change and Domestic Struggles
Deepti started as a fast bowler, but repeated rejections at age-group trials forced her to reassess her role. She struggled to generate pace and consistency. After multiple non-selections, she shifted from pace bowling to off-spin, a decision that changed her career direction.
She was rejected from Uttar Pradesh’s senior domestic setup. Through Hemlata Kala’s support, she joined the Railways team briefly, but competition for regular selection was high. She then moved to Baroda, where she again failed to secure a stable place.
Eventually, following advice from Jhulan Goswami, Deepti began playing domestic cricket for Bengal, a decision that proved crucial. Her performances helped Bengal move from the Plate Group to the Elite Group in domestic women’s cricket.
International Career Breakout
Deepti Sharma made her international debut in November 2014 against South Africa in an ODI, at the age of 17.
Her breakthrough performance came in May 2017, during India’s tour of Ireland:
- 188 runs vs Ireland (ODI) – highest individual score by an Indian woman at the time
- 320-run partnership with Poonam Raut – highest partnership in women’s international cricket (any format)
These records placed her firmly in India’s core squad across formats.
Peak Years and On-Field Pressure
Between 2017 and 2023, Deepti became a regular feature in India’s ODI and T20I teams. Her role was clearly defined:
- Middle-order batting
- Defensive and attacking off-spin
- High workload in pressure matches
One of her best bowling performances came against Sri Lanka in 2018, where she took:
- 6 wickets for 20 runs in an ODI, one of India’s best bowling figures in women’s ODIs
Despite strong numbers, her career was not without scrutiny. Selection consistency, strike rates, and batting positions were frequently debated in public and media discussions.
Controversies and the 2022 “Mankading” Incident
The most debated moment of Deepti Sharma’s career occurred on 24 September 2022, during the third ODI against England at Lord’s.
- England needed 17 runs off the final over
- Deepti noticed Charlie Dean leaving the non-striker’s crease early
- She ran Dean out before delivering the ball (non-striker run-out)
The dismissal was fully legal under ICC rules. However, it triggered global debate around the “spirit of cricket.”
Deepti received criticism from sections of the English media and former players, while others defended her decision as rule-compliant.
No disciplinary action was taken by the ICC or BCCI.
Women’s Premier League and Earnings
In the inaugural Women’s Premier League (2023), Deepti Sharma was signed by UP Warriorz for ₹2.6 crore, making her one of the highest-paid players in the league.
She captained the team and played a key role in taking UP Warriorz to the playoffs in the first season. Her WPL salary significantly altered her financial standing compared to traditional BCCI match fees.
Net Worth and Income Sources (2025 Estimate)
Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₹8–10 crore
Income Sources:
- BCCI central contract (Grade B/C depending on cycle)
- Match fees (ODI, T20I, Test)
- Women’s Premier League salary
- Domestic cricket contracts
- Limited brand endorsements (sportswear and regional brands)
She maintains a low commercial profile compared to some contemporaries.
Public Life and Personal Status
Deepti Sharma keeps her personal life private. As of 2025:
- No publicly confirmed relationship
- No marriage records
- No public controversies outside cricket
She rarely engages in political or promotional public discussions and maintains limited social media activity.
Current Status and Career Phase
As of 2025, Deepti Sharma remains:
- A senior all-rounder in India’s white-ball squads
- Active in domestic cricket for Bengal
- A key player in the Women’s Premier League
Her role has evolved from a batting all-rounder to a spin-bowling specialist with finishing responsibilities.
People Also Ask
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💡 Key Takeaway
"Deepti Sharma is an Indian international all-rounder who holds several major records in women’s cricket. She scored 188 runs in a single ODI against Ireland in 2017, one of the highest individual scores by an Indian woman, and was part of the record-breaking 320-run partnership with Poonam Raut, the highest partnership in women’s international cricket across all formats. With the ball, she registered 6 wickets for 20 runs against Sri Lanka, one of India’s best bowling figures in women’s ODIs. Since making her international debut in 2014, she has represented India in multiple ICC Women’s World Cups and T20 World Cups, remained a regular all-rounder across formats for over a decade, and became one of the highest-paid players in the inaugural Women’s Premier League, signed by UP Warriorz for ₹2.6 crore, reflecting both her on-field impact and long-term consistency at the highest level."
Written by
Research & Analysis Team, The Motivation Stories
Note: This article blends verified facts with our analytical perspective.