India’s star all-rounder Deepti Sharma remains focused on giving her best for the team in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, despite the sudden venue change. The ICC announced on Tuesday that the tournament has been shifted from Bangladesh to the UAE due to unrest in the host nation. The event, originally scheduled in Bangladesh, will now be held in Dubai and Sharjah from October 3 to 20, with Bangladesh retaining hosting rights and revenue.
"The location of the World Cup doesn't matter; my focus is on how I can contribute as an all-rounder to the team’s success," Deepti said in an exclusive interview with PTI during the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards. "I just want to give my all. The past 4-5 months have been productive for us, and we hope to carry that momentum and end our trophy drought this time. We have some familiarity with how the wickets play in the UAE," she added.
Deepti has been in fine form recently, excelling with both bat and ball, and is thoroughly enjoying her cricket. "I’m enjoying my game, and that has helped me handle pressure better. I’ve learned from other international cricketers that when you start enjoying the game, your performance on the field improves."
She credits this mindset shift to her experience in the Women’s Super League back in 2018. "I’ve developed this habit of staying calm under pressure and made it a core part of my game since then."
Deepti’s stellar performance in The Hundred 2024 for London Spirit Women culminated in a memorable moment when she hit the winning six to secure the team’s first-ever title. Reflecting on that moment, she said, "It was amazing, something I had been missing. Winning the game for your team is always special. I thanked God for his blessings because, in such situations, belief in yourself is key. If you believe, you can achieve it."