Deepti Sharma: The Rising Star of Indian Women’s Cricket

Deepti Sharma: The Rising Star of Indian Women’s Cricket

Role: All-rounder
DOB: August 24, 1997
IPL Team (2026): UP Warriorz
Base Price: ₹2.6 Crore (WPL 2023 Auction)

The Story of Deepti Sharma: The Rising Star of Indian Women’s Cricket

From the dusty grounds of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Deepti Sharma has carved a formidable path to become one of Indian cricket’s most vital all-rounders. Introduced to the game by her elder brother, Sumit, a former Bengal cricketer, Deepti’s natural talent for off-spin and a calm head with the bat quickly became apparent. Her journey from a promising youngster to a national team stalwart and a marquee player in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has been a testament to her relentless work ethic and strategic brilliance.

Deepti’s entry into the WPL was inevitable, given her consistent performances on the international stage. A regular in India’s T20I and ODI squads, she arrived at the inaugural WPL auction as one of the most sought-after talents. Her breakthrough moments often come with the ball, where her subtle variations, impeccable control, and ability to pick up crucial wickets have turned many a game. With the bat, she’s a reliable lower-order anchor, capable of building partnerships or launching late assaults, making her a true game-changer.

Her playing style is characterized by a deceptive slowness through the air with her left-arm orthodox spin, often luring batters into false shots. She’s not a huge turner of the ball but relies on accuracy, changes in pace, and a sharp dip to outwit opponents. With the bat, she possesses a compact technique, favoring placement over power, but can clear the ropes when needed. Her fielding is also top-notch, making her a complete package on the field.

IPL Journey: Team by Team

Deepti Sharma’s WPL journey has, so far, been exclusively with the UP Warriorz, who secured her services for a hefty ₹2.6 crore in the inaugural WPL 2023 auction. As one of their vice-captains and a core all-rounder, she has been instrumental in the team’s strategy. In the 2023 season, she was a consistent performer with the ball, maintaining a decent economy rate and picking up 9 wickets. With the bat, she played crucial cameos, including a vital 33* against Gujarat Giants.

The 2024 season saw Deepti elevate her game further, particularly with the ball. She finished as one of the leading wicket-takers for UP Warriorz, claiming 10 wickets at an improved average and economy. Her standout performance came against Gujarat Giants, where she registered her best WPL figures of 4/19, dismantling their middle order. Her batting continued to provide stability and vital runs in the lower-middle order, often rescuing the team from precarious positions. Her consistent contributions have solidified her status as a cornerstone for the Warriorz, making her a strong candidate for retention or another high-value bid in future auctions.

What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective

Deepti Sharma is a bettor’s delight due to her multi-faceted contributions and situational awareness. Her primary strength lies in her bowling; she’s a genuine wicket-taker who also maintains an excellent economy rate, especially in the middle overs. This makes her a strong bet for ‘Most Wickets’ or ‘Best Economy’ props, particularly on pitches that offer even a hint of turn. Her ability to bowl tight lines and variations against both right and left-handers makes her adaptable to various batting lineups.

From a batting perspective, while not a power-hitter, Deepti is incredibly valuable for ‘Player Runs Over/Under’ bets, especially when the top order has faltered. She has a knack for scoring crucial runs under pressure and can accelerate effectively in the death overs. Her exceptional fielding also adds value, making her a dark horse for ‘Player of the Match’ bets, as her combined contributions often go beyond just runs and wickets. Bet on Deepti when the pitch is slow or turning, or when her team needs a steady hand in the middle order. Bet against her for high strike rate expectations on flat tracks against pace-heavy attacks.

Key Records & Milestones

• One of the highest-paid all-rounders in the inaugural WPL auction (₹2.6 Crore).
• First UP Warriorz bowler to take a four-wicket haul in the WPL (4/19 vs Gujarat Giants, WPL 2024).
• Consistently among the top 10 wicket-takers in the WPL across seasons.
• One of the few players to score over 400 runs and take over 40 wickets in their WPL career (as of April 2026 projection).
• Holds the record for the highest individual score by an Indian woman in ODIs (188 runs), showcasing her batting prowess beyond T20s.

IPL Season Highlights

WPL 2024: Deepti Sharma showcased her all-round brilliance, particularly with the ball. Her standout performance was against Gujarat Giants, where she delivered a match-winning spell of 4/19, dismantling their batting lineup and restricting them to a low total. She consistently bowled her full quota of overs, often in crucial phases, and maintained an impressive economy rate of 6.86. With the bat, she contributed vital cameos, including a 33* against Royal Challengers Bangalore, guiding her team through tricky chases and setting competitive totals.

WPL 2023: In the inaugural season, Deepti was a lynchpin for the UP Warriorz. She picked up 9 wickets throughout the tournament, with a best of 3/33, proving to be a reliable wicket-taker. Her economy rate of 7.78 was commendable given the high-scoring nature of the league. With the bat, she played several impactful innings, most notably an unbeaten 33 against Gujarat Giants, demonstrating her ability to finish games and contribute valuable runs under pressure.