22 august 2024 : Deepti Sharma, the all-rounder for Star India, is dedicated to providing her utmost performance for her team in the forthcoming Women’s T20 World Cup. She believes that the recent change of venue will not hinder her team’s preparations.
On Tuesday, the ICC announced the relocation of the T20 World Cup from Bangladesh to the UAE due to unrest in the South Asian country. The tournament, originally set for October 3 to 20, will now take place in Dubai and Sharjah, while Bangladesh will retain its hosting rights to ensure it receives a portion of the revenue. Deepti remarked, “The location of the World Cup is irrelevant; my focus is on how I, as an all-rounder, can aid in the team’s success.”
She further expressed, “I am committed to giving my best, and the past 4-5 months have been productive for us. I hope we can maintain this momentum and finally secure the trophy. We have some understanding of how the pitches will behave in the UAE.”
The all-rounder has showcased exceptional performances with both bat and ball in recent months. “I am currently enjoying my cricket, which has allowed me to alleviate the pressure I once felt. I have learned from other international cricketers that when you find joy in the game, your performance on the field improves,” she stated.
“I do not allow pressure to overwhelm me; I have cultivated this mindset since my debut in the Women’s Super League in 2018. This approach has become an integral part of my game,” she continued. Deepti excelled throughout The Hundred for London Spirit Women, culminating in a spectacular finish with a winning six that secured her team’s first-ever title.
“That moment (hitting the winning runs at Lord’s) was incredible; it was something I had been longing for. It is always rewarding to contribute to a victory for your team. I expressed my gratitude to God for his blessings, as in such critical moments, self-belief is essential. If you maintain that belief, success follows,” she remarked.