From Agra to Glory: Deepti Sharma’s Incredible Rise

By Harshit - Oct 30, 2025 06:08 PM
Last updated on Oct 30, 2025 06:08 PM

Avadhpuri Colony in Shahganj, about nine kilometers from Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal, has its own rising star — Deepti Sharma. What began as a young girl chasing after her brother to watch him play cricket has turned into one of India’s most inspiring sporting stories. Her home street now bears her name — “Arjuna Awardee Cricketer Deepti Sharma Marg” — a symbol of pride for her family and the community that watched her grow up.

Deepti’s journey from Agra’s narrow lanes to becoming India’s leading all-rounder at the Women’s World Cup is a saga of relentless determination, sacrifice, and family faith. Her brother, Sumit Sharma, gave up his own ambitions to shape her future, dedicating years of his life to help her train and stay focused. What began as a sibling’s support evolved into a mission to rewrite history for Indian women’s cricket.

Today, Deepti Sharma is India’s most reliable match-winner, leading the wicket charts and contributing with the bat under pressure. But behind her calm demeanour and sharp reflexes lies a powerful tale of persistence, passion, and one brother’s unbreakable promise.

Roots of Determination in Agra

Deepti’s cricketing spark ignited in Avadhpuri Colony, a locality now proud to be her address. Her father, Bhagwan Sharma, recalls how the roads leading to their home were once rough until local authorities renovated them after Deepti’s Arjuna Award recognition. “It became Deepti Sharma Marg — a landmark for everyone,” he proudly says.

Her early cricket days were filled with rebellion and passion. She often sneaked out of her home to watch her brother Sumit train, mimicking every move from the sidelines. Despite relatives insisting that cricket wasn’t meant for girls, her parents ignored the criticism and stood by her dreams. “Now, the same people ask when she’s coming home for photos,” laughs Bhagwan.

It was during one such practice session that fate intervened. Watching her brother’s game, a ball rolled toward her. She picked it up and hurled it back — a powerful throw that instantly caught the eye of India’s former cricketer and selector, Hemlata Kala, who was training nearby. That throw would become the first step of her journey into professional cricket.

Brother’s Promise and Sacrifice

Sumit Sharma, Deepti’s elder brother, was himself a promising cricketer but recognized early that his sister had the hunger and skill to go further. “She used to come to my matches even when our mother locked the doors,” he says. “She would analyze my performances better than anyone.”

When Deepti was just eight years old, Sumit took her along to training sessions with him, often traveling long distances to the Eklavya Sports Complex. The family owned a small moped, and the daily commute took nearly four hours. Yet, neither of them complained. Those long rides became the foundation of a dream built on sweat and trust.

By 17, Deepti had already made her India debut, representing the country in 2014. But her journey wasn’t just about talent — it was powered by Sumit’s decision to give up his job and dedicate two years of his life solely to coaching and mentoring her. “I told my father that I’m leaving my job. People laughed, but I knew we needed to go all in for Deepti,” Sumit says.

Two Years That Changed Everything

In 2012, realizing that Deepti was losing touch due to inconsistent practice, Sumit made a bold move. He left a well-paying job after completing his MBA, telling his family, “Give me two years. If nothing happens, I’ll return to my career.” His father, Bhagwan, supported the decision despite neighborhood gossip and family pressure.

Those two years became the turning point. Sumit and Deepti trained every day — batting, bowling, fielding, and mental conditioning — until she was ready for the next step. He even rented a place closer to home to reduce travel time and maximize practice hours. “We prayed for two years from God, and He gave us Deepti’s India cap,” says Sumit, who now runs his own cricket academy.

His words resonate deeply: “When Deepti plays for India today, I play with her.” That emotional connection underscores their journey — not just a brother-sister story but a shared dream fulfilled through unwavering belief and discipline.

Rise to Stardom and World Cup Glory

At the 2025 Women’s World Cup, Deepti Sharma emerged as India’s top wicket-taker and a dependable middle-order batter. Her performances against Sri Lanka, England, and Pakistan showcased her versatility — swinging the ball sharply, rescuing the innings, and delivering electric run-outs.

Her strength as an all-rounder didn’t happen by accident. Sumit had decided years earlier to transform her from a medium pacer to an off-spinner, ensuring she could also bat in the top order without injury risks. That tactical decision turned her into India’s ultimate three-dimensional player — capable of influencing matches in every department.

Every trophy displayed in the Sharma household tells a story of sacrifice. From the dusty pitches of Agra to the bright floodlights of the World Cup, Deepti has carried her family’s dreams on her shoulders — dreams made possible by a brother who chose her future over his own.

A Family Built on Faith and Hard Work

The Sharmas’ household radiates pride and humility. Photographs of Deepti with the national team share space with family portraits and her brother’s early cricketing days. Her parents, Bhagwan and Sushila, often recall how the colony that once doubted them now takes pride in their success.

Sumit’s academy now trains dozens of young girls inspired by Deepti’s story. “She showed that with support, women can achieve anything in sports,” he says. For Deepti, every wicket and run remains a tribute to the family that stood behind her, the brother who never stopped believing, and the city that turned her dream into a movement.

Deepti Sharma’s journey isn’t just a sports story — it’s a legacy of faith, resilience, and family. From Agra’s narrow streets to the grand stage of world cricket, she’s proved that dreams backed by sacrifice can indeed rewrite history.

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