Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma has climbed to second place in the latest ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings, marking one of the highest positions achieved by an Indian bowler in recent years.
The 27-year-old’s consistent performances with the ball have been a cornerstone of India’s success in the shortest format, and her latest ranking is a testament to her control, adaptability, and match-winning ability.
Deepti has long been regarded as one of the most reliable bowlers in women’s cricket, particularly in the middle overs, where run containment often decides the flow of a T20I game. Her off-spin is characterized by subtle variations in flight and pace, which allow her to outthink batters rather than rely solely on sharp turn.
In recent series, she has been effective not only at building pressure but also in breaking partnerships a skill that has kept her economy rate among the best in international cricket. Her ability to bowl to attacking batters without conceding boundaries has made her an asset for India in both home and overseas conditions.
Recent Form Behind the Ranking Surge
Deepti’s rise to the No. 2 spot comes on the back of a string of strong performances. In the recent T20I series against Bangladesh, she played a pivotal role in restricting the opposition’s scoring during the middle phase. Her figures of 3 for 14 in the second T20I and 2 for 19 in the third match underlined her ability to deliver under pressure.
Even when wickets have not come in clusters, Deepti has maintained a miserly economy rate, forcing batters into risky shots and enabling her teammates to capitalise at the other end. This combination of control and timely breakthroughs has been reflected in her steadily climbing ranking points.
Deepti now sits behind only Sophie Ecclestone of England, the world’s top-ranked bowler who has held the No. 1 spot for an extended period. Ecclestone’s left-arm spin has set a benchmark in consistency, but Deepti’s climb shows she is not far off in terms of influence and impact. The competition in the top five is intense, with bowlers like Australia’s Megan Schutt and England’s Sarah Glenn also pushing for higher positions. In such a competitive environment, Deepti’s ability to break into the top two speaks volumes about her sustained excellence.
While the rankings are a statistical measure of performance, Deepti’s true value lies in her strategic importance to the Indian side. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur often turns to her in high-pressure situations be it to stem the flow of runs after a brisk powerplay or to attack when a breakthrough is needed. Her versatility allows her to bowl in the powerplay if required, though her primary role remains in the middle overs. Crucially, she can adapt her style depending on the opposition giving the ball more air against less aggressive batters, or firing it in flatter against big-hitters.
A Leader in the Making
Deepti’s influence extends beyond her bowling. As one of the senior members of the squad, she often guides younger spinners in the team, sharing tactical insights on field placements, reading batters, and handling pressure. Her calm on-field presence also provides stability in tense situations, making her a natural leader in the bowling unit.
Though her bowling has driven her rise in the ICC rankings, Deepti’s contributions with the bat cannot be overlooked. Batting in the lower-middle order, she has often been the difference between a competitive total and a below-par score. Her ability to find boundaries late in the innings and rotate strike underlines her value as a genuine all-rounder a rare commodity in women’s cricket.
India’s Spin Legacy in T20Is
Deepti’s ascent continues India’s tradition of producing high-quality spinners in women’s cricket. From Poonam Yadav’s loopy leg-spin to Radha Yadav’s left-arm orthodox deliveries, spin has long been India’s strength in the T20I format. Deepti’s modern approach combining classical control with tactical aggression is an evolution of this legacy. Her adaptability has also made her effective outside the subcontinent, something that earlier generations of Indian spinners sometimes struggled with.
With India set to play several T20I series in the lead-up to the Women’s T20 World Cup, Deepti has a realistic chance of challenging Ecclestone for the top spot. Key to that will be maintaining her consistency while also making an impact in big matches against top-tier opposition such as Australia and England. Her duel with Ecclestone in particular will be one to watch, as both bowlers operate in similar roles for their teams and often find themselves in direct competition for wickets and economy control.
For Deepti Sharma, being ranked No. 2 in the world is both recognition of her talent and a reminder of the responsibility she carries. The expectations will only grow, but given her work ethic and ability to adapt, she appears well-prepared to meet them. As India aims for global dominance in women’s cricket, having a bowler of Deepti’s caliber at the heart of their attack could be the difference between being competitive and being champions.
In the current ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings, the message is clear Deepti Sharma is no longer just one of India’s best; she is one of the best in the world. And if her current trajectory continues, the No. 1 spot might not be far away.
