Deepti Sharma is breaking barriers both on and off the field

Deepti Sharma is a shining example of determination, resilience, and leadership, not just for women but for anyone who dares to dream big and pursue their goals. A cornerstone of the Indian women’s cricket team, Sharma has proven time and again that hard work, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude can break all barriers. From being an influential figure in the dressing room to leading the UP Warriorz as their captain in the ongoing Women's Premier League, she has continually demonstrated her ability to rise above challenges and grow with every opportunity. But Deepti’s impact goes far beyond the cricket field.

In a remarkable recognition of her contribution to sports, the Uttar Pradesh government appointed her as Deputy Superintendent of Police (SP) in the state police force, a prestigious achievement that underscores her leadership and influence. Through her exceptional journey, Deepti Sharma is not just inspiring future cricketers but anyone with aspirations to make their mark in the world.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Cosmopolitan India speaks to Sharma to know more how she handles the pressure—as a player and as a captain—taking women’s cricket to the next level, the importance of her energy to the team, and more. 

Cosmopolitan India: Looking back on your journey from starting cricket to becoming a household name in Indian women’s cricket, what are some moments that stand out to you?

Deepti Sharma: I think the 2017 World Cup in England, where we reached the final, was a game changer for Indian women’s cricket. Not many people knew and followed our game back then. When we returned to India, the welcome was grand since we’d made it to the final after a very long time. 

As far as moments go, I’ve been playing since my debut in 2014. It’s always a dream to play for your country. But once you’re there, it’s tough to stay consistent and cement your place in the team. My motto has always been to play well and win games and trophies for the country. My journey has started from there. 

CI: Who has been your greatest source of support throughout your career, and how have they influenced your growth, both as a cricketer and as a person?

DS: Family has and always will come first. They’ve always given me what I wanted, with zero questions asked. I remember my first day when I started cricketing; I didn’t know anything about the sport but was happy that I had my brother, who played, teach me. They’ve always given me the strength to play better. 

CI: Women's sports, especially cricket, have come a long way. But there’s still progress to be made. If you could change one thing about women’s sports for the next generation of female cricketers, what would it be?

DS: I feel that fan support—both on the pitch and off it, on social media—has increased tremendously. I would want more of them to be vocal and support us at the grassroots level. There are so many young girls in schools and colleges who are unaware about cricket. If we take the game to them and inspire them, that’s a very important step that needs to be taken. If they’re aware, women’s cricket can be taken to the next level. 

CI: The pressures of social media are immense today for anyone in a public-facing role. How do you navigate them and manage to protect your mental space? 

DS: To be very honest, it doesn’t affect me much. There are two types of people: one who will praise you when you do well and the latter who will say things when you’re not performing well. My mindset and role have always been to switch off and focus on how I can do better and ensure that the team has a better chance of winning. As a player and as a leader, the responsibilities for both are different. I stay away from social media during a tournament, and my sole attention is always on playing. 

CI: What does success look like for you today, and how has your outlook about it evolved over the years? 

DS: My goals and dreams have changed over the years. What’s stayed consistent has been that I will always do my best so that the team has a better chance of winning. Sometimes, you’re doing well, but the team isn’t. If my contribution towards the team helps them win, you enter a much better headspace. 

CI: You’ve inspired countless young women. But is there a young woman—in sports or otherwise—who has recently inspired you?

DS: I remember my first day on the training ground. At that time, Hemlata Kala (former Indian cricketer) helped me a lot. If she wasn’t there, I wouldn’t be here talking to you today. It’s very tough for a youngster to stay away from their family, and that’s where you need a mentor and guide like her. She saw my game and realised my potential. Her belief in me playing for the country is something I’ll always be grateful to her for. 

Image credit: UP Warriorz

CI: As the captain of the UP Warriorz, how do you react to team morale, and how do you think the team feeds off your energy and ideas?

DS: In a team, the players feed off the energy of the captain. That’s what I’ve always done as a player. Our mindset affects the youngsters in the team who want to be like you. The qualities of a leader are completely different, and that’s why they’re in charge. This has made me mentally strong and given me the clarity to handle pressure situations. As a player, I used to enjoy the pressure and challenges. As captain, I am mentally stronger to tackle them better. There is so much to learn from every match, and this is a role that’s making the best of me. 

CI: Does being a captain mean you have to shut off the noise around you differently as compared to a player?

DS: Like I mentioned earlier, I was a player first and a leader now. I have to get the best out of the team. Sometimes, criticism is good. A player won’t maintain good form throughout their career. There will be downs. Overcoming them is important for growth. These challenges make you an even better player. What matters is your mindset and how you approach these situations. I’ve always been positive and always taken something from them. 

Lead image: Getty

Also read: Pitch Please: Former India captain Mithali Raj on discipline, failure, and the dream to win a World Cup

Also read: Pitch Please: Shweta Sehrawat on playing new roles, being consistent, and focusing on growth

Also read: Pitch Please: “It’s not just a gentleman’s game,” says Indian batter, Harleen Deol

Also read: Pitch Please: S Yashasri on going from not knowing anything about cricket to becoming part of the World Cup winning team

Also read: Pitch Please: “If you want to pursue anything, you have to believe there is no limit to what you can achieve,” says Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana