"Winning T20 World Cup will change things," Deepti Sharma shares thoughts

India's all-rounder Deepti Sharma expressed her motivation drawn from the Indian men's team's T20 World Cup victory as she prepares for the women’s team's participation in their own World Cup campaign. Despite the high expectations, Deepti emphasizes that the team is not under pressure but is determined to perform their best and break the knockout stage jinx that has haunted them in previous tournaments.

Motivated by India Men’s T20 World Cup victory

The Indian men's cricket team ended an 11-year drought for an ICC trophy by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados. This triumph has given a morale boost to the women's team as they head into their own World Cup journey. Deepti Sharma revealed that watching the men's team lift the coveted trophy has been a source of inspiration for her.

"I wouldn’t say pressure, but personally, I’m motivated by the men’s World Cup win,” Deepti told ESPNcricinfo. “We’ve been performing well in every series and tournament, and I believe we will do our best.” She added that winning such a prestigious tournament could not only enhance their careers but also elevate the status of women's cricket in India.

Indian Women’s team aims for maiden World Cup title

The Indian women’s cricket team has come agonizingly close to World Cup glory in recent years but has repeatedly fallen short. In 2020, they lost the T20 World Cup final to Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. In 2023, their hopes were dashed once again by Australia, this time in the semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.

Deepti reflected on the landmark moment for women's cricket in India when the team, led by Mithali Raj, reached the final of the 2017 ODI World Cup at Lord’s. "Everything changed after 2017,” Deepti said. “That was when people started recognizing me as Deepti Sharma, and it’s great to see the growing fanbase for women’s cricket.”

Despite the setbacks, Deepti remains optimistic. "The World Cup brings confidence, and if we win this time, it will change a lot for women’s cricket. Every young girl watching us will feel motivated to take up the sport."

Deepti also acknowledged the impact of winning a major title, saying that it would not only inspire the next generation of cricketers but also create lasting changes for the women's game in India. “If we win, it would change everything,” she added, emphasizing the influence their performances could have on young girls aspiring to play cricket.

See Also: This is how Harry Brook ends Australia's ODI winning streak

With the World Cup around the corner, Deepti and the Indian women’s team will look to draw strength from past experiences and the men's team’s recent success. They aim to make their own history and finally lift their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup.

The women's team’s quest for their maiden World Cup title continues, and with Deepti's motivation and belief, the team hopes to end their knockout stage heartbreaks and bring the trophy home.