‘We Fight Till the Last Ball’: Deepti Sharma Reveals the Grit Behind India’s Historic World Cup Win

‘We always think we have to fight till the last ball’: Deepti Sharma

‘We Fight Till the Last Ball’: Deepti Sharma Reveals the Grit Behind India’s Historic World Cup Win

When the final ball of the Women’s Cricket World Cup settled in the outfield and India erupted in celebration, one name echoed louder than most: Deepti Sharma. Crowned Player of the World Cup, the all-rounder didn’t just deliver with bat and ball—she embodied the spirit that turned a dream into destiny.

In an exclusive conversation with the Times of India, Deepti laid bare the emotional and philosophical core of Team India’s historic campaign. “We always think we have to fight till the last ball,” she said—a simple line that captures the relentless resilience that defined their journey to lifting the trophy on home soil, a moment she believes was “scripted” by fate itself .

Table of Contents

The Destiny Mindset: Deepti Sharma’s Belief System

Deepti Sharma doesn’t just play cricket—she sees it as part of a larger narrative woven by destiny. “It was scripted that India’s epochal title victory had to come on home soil,” she told TOI . This isn’t mere superstition; it’s a profound mindset that fuels calm under pressure.

In high-stakes tournaments, mental resilience often separates winners from contenders. Deepti’s belief in a preordained outcome allowed her to play without fear—swinging for sixes in tight chases, bowling tight lines in death overs, and backing her teammates with unwavering confidence. That mindset, she insists, was shared across the entire squad.

Deepti Sharma World Cup Performance by the Numbers

Earned the Player of the World Cup award not by accident, but through consistent, match-winning contributions:

  • Runs: 248 at an average of 49.60 and strike rate of 122.1
  • Wickets: 14 at an economy of 4.82
  • Key Moments: Match-winning 67* vs Australia in semifinal; 3/18 in final vs England

Her ability to shift gears—from anchor to aggressor with the bat, and from containing bowler to wicket-taker with the ball—made her India’s most versatile weapon throughout the tournament.

The ‘Last Ball’ Mentality: What It Means for India

“We always think we have to fight till the last ball,” Deepti said—a philosophy that became India’s unofficial motto. This wasn’t just rhetoric; it was visible in their gameplay.

Recall the group-stage thriller against New Zealand, where India chased 187 with 2 wickets in hand and 3 balls remaining. Or the semifinal, where they defended 152 by taking the last three wickets in the final over. This refusal to accept defeat, even in dire situations, set them apart from previous Indian sides that often crumbled under pressure.

This mentality, cultivated under coach Amrita Rawat’s leadership, signals a new era for India women’s cricket—one defined not by potential, but by proven mental toughness.

Home Soil Triumph: Why the Venue Mattered

Winning on home soil added a layer of emotional resonance rarely seen in Indian cricket. For decades, the men’s team carried the burden of “one World Cup too many” without lifting the trophy at home—until 2011.

For the women, this victory in front of roaring crowds in Mumbai and Bengaluru wasn’t just about silverware—it was about validation. “To do it in front of our people, our families… it felt like the universe aligned,” Deepti reflected . The support from fans, many of whom attended their first women’s match, created an electric atmosphere that propelled the team forward.

This historic win could be the catalyst for a boom in grassroots participation. For more on how hosting impacts legacy, see [INTERNAL_LINK:Impact-of-Hosting-Cricket-World-Cups-in-India].

From Role Player to Player of the World Cup

Once seen primarily as a support all-rounder, Deepti Sharma has now cemented herself as a global superstar. Her evolution mirrors the growth of women’s cricket itself—once overlooked, now center stage.

What changed? “Confidence,” she says. “Knowing the captain and coach believe in you unconditionally.” That trust allowed her to take ownership in crunch moments. Unlike past tournaments where she played safe, this World Cup saw her embrace high-risk, high-reward shots and variations—a transformation that earned her the ultimate individual honor.

The Future of India Women’s Cricket Post-Victory

With the World Cup secured, the focus shifts to sustainability. The BCCI has already announced an expanded Women’s Premier League (WPL) and increased domestic contracts.

Deepti’s message to young girls? “Don’t wait for permission to dream. The pitch is yours.” As the face of this new era, she’s expected to lead India into the 2027 cycle—with the T20 World Cup in South Africa and a potential Olympics debut on the horizon.

Her performance has also drawn attention from global franchises. Expect her name atop many lists in the next WPL auction.

Summary: A Legacy Defined by Grit and Faith

The Deepti Sharma World Cup story is more than statistics—it’s a testament to belief, resilience, and the courage to play till the very end. Her words, “We always think we have to fight till the last ball,” aren’t just a quote; they’re the new mantra for Indian cricket. Backed by destiny and driven by unwavering determination, Deepti and her teammates didn’t just win a trophy—they inspired a generation.

Sources

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