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"I could walk freely, but now…": Deepti Sharma admits stumbling into post-World Cup fame

Aakash Saini

Deepti Sharma [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x]Deepti Sharma [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x]

Team India clinched the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup earlier this month by outclassing South Africa in a cracking final at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. Star all-rounder Deepti Sharma was one of the architects of India’s historic win, considering the cricketer punched out a sizzling half-century and picked up a match-winning five-fer on the big day.

Deepti also bagged the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award for her all-round heroics throughout the month-long event. Post World Cup glory, the 28-year-old has now opened up about how the sudden spotlight has changed her daily life.

Deepti Sharma says women’s cricket will only grow further

While speaking with Sports Today, Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma admitted that India’s World Cup win earlier this month almost “felt like a dream”, one which only felt real when she got home and heard people talk about it. Now one of the most recognisable cricketing faces in the country, Deepti also stated that it has become difficult for her to take even a casual stroll outside her house.

She said:

“When it actually happened, it felt like a dream to me. But once it really sank in, when I got home and people started talking about it, it finally felt real. Earlier, I could walk around freely, go to malls and places without much notice. But now, it’s become difficult, you can’t just step out easily. Even with a mask on, people recognise me, which says a lot about how much women’s cricket has grown after the World Cup. It feels really good and it’s a proud moment when people know you and appreciate your work.”

Deepti Sharma also believes that India’s Women’s World Cup win will help the game grow further. The all-rounder also credited the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for popularising the sport in India. She added:

“There will definitely be a lot of positive changes after this World Cup. Everyone had been waiting for this trophy, India had won everything else, but not the ICC title. Now that we’ve finally won it, women’s cricket is only going to grow further. Matches are being televised more often and the number of games in our calendar year has increased. Even Tests are happening now. The WPL has also played a big role in shaping players’ careers. I truly believe this win will inspire many more girls to take up cricket.”

Deepti Sharma aggregated 215 runs in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, and picked up 22 wickets in the process to be adjudged as the ‘Player of the Tournament.’

With no immediate international cricket in sight, Deepti, along with the rest of her teammates, will now feature in the upcoming 2026 WPL season.