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Deepti Sharma Reveals How Her Brother Changed Her Life—And Cricket History

Deepti Sharma just opened up about what first got her into cricket. It all started when she was watching her brother play and made an incredible throw. That single moment convinced everyone she had talent, and her brother's encouragement sealed the deal. Now, she's a World Cup champion and MVP, proving that moment changed everything.

Key Points: Deepti Sharma Credits Brother for Her Cricket Career Start

  • Deepti Sharma was inspired to play after a stunning throw from the sidelines impressed onlookers
  • Her brother's initial support and belief were crucial to her early cricket journey
  • She emerged as the World Cup MVP with 22 wickets and 215 runs
  • Sharma's brother expressed immense pride, reciting a poem for Amitabh Bachchan
2 min read

I began playing cricket because of my brother, says Deepti Sharma

World Cup MVP Deepti Sharma shares the heartfelt story of how her elder brother first encouraged her to play cricket, changing her life forever.

"I began playing cricket because of my brother... From that moment, I never looked back. – Deepti Sharma"

New Delhi, Dec 6

All-rounder Deepti Sharma opened up about the moment that changed her life, the person who first saw her potential and encouraged her to take up cricket - her elder brother.

Playing their third 50-over World Cup final, India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, beat the Laura Wolvaardt-led side to lift the World Cup trophy and to be named the world champions for the first time in the history of the sport in India. With that, the Indian women’s cricket team also ended their ICC Trophy drought.

Deepti Sharma, the seasoned off-spinner topped the wickets chart with 22 scalps, emerging as the Women's World Cup 2025 most successful bowler, and also scored 215 runs, including three half-centuries, to emerge as the MVP of the tournament. In the final against South Africa, Deepti scored a fighting 58 and claimed 5-39 in the final to make it possible.

Speaking to Amitabh Bachchan, Deepti shared how his support and belief played a crucial role in shaping her early journey.

Recalling her childhood days, Deepti said, “I began playing cricket because of my brother. I used to accompany him to the ground just to watch him play. One day, I was sitting on the stairs when a ball suddenly came towards me. I threw it back from around 40–50 metres, and it directly hit the stumps. People there immediately said, ‘This girl should be playing cricket.’ From that moment, I never looked back and started playing seriously.”

Sharma's brother expressing her pride said, “I feel proud to be known as Deepti’s brother,” acknowledging how far she has come. He also recited a heartfelt poem dedicated to Amitabh Bachchan, adding warmth and charm to the episode.

India scored a commanding 298/7, highlighted by Shafali Verma’s smooth 87, Deepti Sharma’s steady 58, and key contributions from Smriti Mandhana (45) and Richa Ghosh (34). A strong 100-run opening partnership between Mandhana and Verma laid the groundwork for a large total, but South Africa fought back late, narrowly preventing India from crossing 300.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This win was long overdue! The women's team has been performing so well for years. Finally getting that ICC trophy feels amazing. Deepti was absolutely phenomenal in the final - a true all-round performance.
A
Aman W
While the achievement is fantastic, I hope this momentum leads to better infrastructure and more matches for women's cricket at the domestic level. The talent is there, they need consistent opportunities.
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Sarah B
The part about her brother reciting a poem for Amitabh Bachchan is so charmingly Indian! It shows how our celebrities are woven into personal stories of achievement. What a lovely interview.
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Karthik V
22 wickets and 215 runs! That's not just MVP, that's a legendary tournament performance. Her story proves that champions can come from anywhere - just needing that one chance and a supportive family.
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Nisha Z
More power to her brother and all the families who encourage their daughters to pursue sports. It's changing the game, literally. Can't wait to see what this team does next!

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