From Silent Spinner To India’s Backbone: Deepti Sharma Seeks Redemption Glory

Deepti Sharma, India's unassuming off-spinner from Uttar Pradesh, has transformed into the tournament's most formidable all-round force at the ongoing Women's World Cup, claiming 15 wickets and scoring 133 runs, including two vital fifties. Former chief selector Neetu David, who has mentored Sharma since her teenage years, describes her dual persona: a calm, understated presence off the field contrasted by ferocious intensity on it. "We UP people are simple," David laughs, but notes how early training alongside legends like Mithali Raj, Hemlatha Kala, and Nooshin Al Khadeer accelerated Sharma's maturity and confidence.

Breaking into the senior team as a teenager nearly a decade ago, Sharma has endured India's gut-wrenching World Cup defeats, from the 2017 final collapse at Lord's to the 2022 heartbreak against South Africa. Now, she stands as the linchpin of India's campaign, surpassing David's record of 141 WODI wickets and emerging as the nation's premier all-rounder. While global stars like Ellyse Perry and Marizanne Kapp boast superior career stats, Sharma's current form, her control in middle overs and death, and her deceptive variations have redefined her impact.

Her arsenal this tournament has been masterful: drifting deliveries around the wicket to dismiss Chamari Athapaththu, slowing the pace against Australia and South Africa, or unleashing a cross-seam gem to rattle Tammy Beaumont's stumps. Credit goes to bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi, whose meticulous sessions in England and domestic camps have honed these skills. David reveals Salvi's strategy: targeting middle-and-leg lines to exploit overseas batters' off-side strength, a plan now paying dividends on global pitches.

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Originally a medium-pacer, Sharma transitioned to off-spin on Kala's advice, leveraging her natural shoulder speed for sharp turn and bounce. Her evolution reflects relentless work ethic and tactical intelligence, traits David observed from Sharma's junior days training with India's elite. "She quietly goes about her business," David says, but that quiet demeanor masks a player who now dictates terms, breaking partnerships and anchoring innings when pacers falter.

With the semifinal against Australia looming, Sharma carries the weight of past scars, notably the 2017 mix-up with Harmanpreet Kaur that cost India dearly. No longer the tearful teenager, she is a composed leader whose ten overs will shape the contest. David asserts, "If pacers don't strike early, Deepti and Sneh Rana become crucial; plans revolve around them." After two World Cup heartbreaks, Sharma is poised to author redemption, determined to propel India toward a long-awaited title.

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