Trisha Ghosal, Birmingham
There are some cricketers who make headlines every week, and then there are those whose contributions quietly shape victories over the years. Deepti Sharma firmly belongs to the latter category.
India’s premier all-rounder once again proved her value on the biggest stage, producing a magnificent spell of 5/10 against Pakistan in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener at Edgbaston. The performance not only earned her the Player of the Match award but also reinforced why she remains one of the most important players in the Indian side despite often being overlooked in public discussions.
In the build-up to the tournament, questions were once again raised about Deepti’s form. Some even suggested alternatives in India’s spin department. The Indian team, however, never appeared concerned. They understand better than anyone the influence Deepti has on the side, particularly in pressure situations.
Pakistan had made a brisk start and were comfortably placed in the Powerplay, scoring at a healthier rate than India had managed earlier in the match. It was then that Deepti stepped in and changed the course of the contest.
Having observed the surface while batting, she recognised that the pitch was offering turn and adjusted her pace accordingly. Rather than firing the ball through, she relied on slower deliveries, allowed the surface to do the work and mixed her speeds intelligently. The result was one of the most impactful spells of the tournament so far.
The figures alone tell a compelling story, but the context makes them even more impressive. Pakistan’s innings never recovered after Deepti found her rhythm, and India’s control over the game increased with every over she bowled.
There was also a familiar reminder of Deepti’s all-round impact in the field. Her sharp direct-hit run-out brought back memories of the 2017 Women’s ODI World Cup, when a similar moment helped turn the tide against England. Nearly a decade later, she continues to influence matches in multiple disciplines.
The outing carried additional significance from a personal standpoint. During the match, Deepti became the highest wicket-taker in Women’s T20I cricket, another landmark in a career filled with achievements that often receive less attention than they deserve.
More importantly, she now has 351 international wickets across formats. That places her just four wickets behind Jhulan Goswami’s record of 355 international wickets, a milestone that once appeared untouchable.
What makes Deepti’s success remarkable is her consistency. She may not always dominate conversations, but she repeatedly delivers for India in ICC tournaments and high-pressure matches. Asked about her strong performances at World Cups, Deepti smiled and admitted that she enjoys pressure and relishes ICC events.
Her success is also built on constant improvement. Deepti revealed that she regularly discusses her bowling with India’s bowling coach Avishkar Salvi, searching for ways to evolve even when things are going well. That willingness to learn has been a hallmark of her career.
India will know tougher challenges lie ahead in this World Cup. There are still areas to sharpen despite the convincing victory. Yet as they prepare for the next phase of the tournament, one thing is clear: Deepti Sharma remains indispensable.
She may be one of the quietest performers in world cricket, but her impact continues to be impossible to ignore. And with Jhulan Goswami’s record now firmly within sight, another chapter of women’s cricket history could soon belong to Deepti Sharma.
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