Winning T20 World Cup will change things: Deepti Sharma

The upcoming edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup seems to have a slightly different context. Apart from the usual favourites, there are significantly more eyeballs on the Indian team than usual. This could be well and truly attributed to their performance in the T20I format, especially this year, including their near-pristine run in the Women’s Asia Cup.

India all-rounder Deepti Sharma, however, made it amply clear in a recent discussion that there is no pressure per se on the side. Yet, she seemed unwaveringly resolute on the ultimate goal.

“I wouldn’t say pressure because the World Cup is a big event for each and every player, but personally I’m motivated with the men’s World Cup they took home. We are doing a really good job throughout each and every series and every tournament and I won’t say it’s a pressure, but we will do our best.” stated Deepti, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Things will change from every perspective and each woman will wanna play cricket: Deepti

The seasoned campaigner also recounted the sudden transformation which ensued in her social life post India Women playing the 50-over World Cup in 2017. She also shared what a title victory would mean for the future of women’s cricket.

“How we played the finals in 2017, suddenly everything changed. Personally, it feels really good because the fans, they know I’m Deepti Sharma. It’s difficult to go out in the mall or walking down some streets. It’s a great feeling from the 2017 World Cup final and obviously, if we win the World Cup, things will really change from every perspective and each woman will want to play cricket after that, so I’m hoping for the best.” added Deepti.

As far as the 20-over global event is concerned, the Women in Blue have only reached the final once, which was in 2020. The 2023 edition was a good one too, but it wasn’t to be as India were knocked out by eventual champions, Australia, in a closely-fought semi-final.

It will be intriguing to witness how India Women will perform in the upcoming 20-over bonanza, considering the many similarities the conditions in the UAE will present as compared to those back home.