India’s cricketing landscape is on the verge of witnessing a historic milestone, as Deepti Sharma, the country’s premier off-spinner, stands just eight rating points away from claiming the coveted No.1 spot in the ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings. After years of remarkable consistency and resilience, the 27-year-old is closer than ever to etching her name atop the world’s elite, a testament to her enduring excellence and vital role in India’s bowling attack.
The relentless climb of Deepti Sharma
Deepti’s journey to the cusp of the top ranking is a saga of persistence and steady ascent. For the better part of the last six years, she has been a fixture in the top 10 T20I bowlers worldwide, yet the summit has always remained just out of reach.
Her recent leap to the second position, overtaking Australia’s Annabel Sutherland, is the result of a string of standout performances, most notably her three-wicket haul in the third match of India’s ongoing five-game T20I series against England. This effort not only showcased her skill but also her composure under pressure, narrowing the gap between her and current No.1, Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal, to a mere eight points.
What sets Deepti apart is her ability to deliver in crucial moments. Her economy, control, and knack for breakthroughs have made her indispensable for India, especially in the shortest format. Since 2022, she has claimed 38 wickets in 29 matches, including nine scalps in a recent tri-series, underlining her status as one of the most reliable bowlers in world cricket. Despite never having held the No.1 position, her sustained presence among the best speaks volumes about her consistency and impact.
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Other movers in the ICC rankings
Deepti’s ascent is part of a broader shake-up in the latest ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings. Indian seamer Arundhati Reddy made significant gains, leaping 11 places to joint 43rd after her own three-wicket haul against England. England’s Issy Wong and Lauren Filer also climbed the rankings following impressive performances at The Oval, while Lauren Bell maintained her position in fourth.
In the batting charts, Australia’s Beth Mooney continues to hold a narrow lead at the top, with India’s Jemimah Rodrigues moving up two places to 12th after a half-century in Bristol. England’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophia Dunkley were among the biggest gainers, thanks to their record opening partnership that set up a crucial win over India.
Deepti’s all-round capabilities are also reflected in the all-rounder rankings, where she currently holds the No.3 spot, underlining her value to the Indian squad beyond her bowling prowess. England’s Sophie Ecclestone, meanwhile, jumped three places to eighth among all-rounders after a career-best batting performance.
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