NEW DELHI: All-rounder Deepti Sharma starred with a six-for in India’s series sweeping five-wicket win over West Indies in Vadodara on Friday.
Claiming her career-best figures of 6 for 31, Deepti contributed significantly team’s win as India won the final match to claim a 3-0 series win.
After the win, the off-spinner attributed her success to focused practice and discussions with her bowling coach.
“I have been doing a lot of hard work. My focus is to take as many wickets as possible and make as many runs as possible for the team. That has always backed me,” Deepti told the media after the win.
“Yesterday’s practice session helped me a lot. I spoke to bowling coach Avishkar Salvi sir as to how I can improve my bowling. He asked me to focus on getting more turn and how much help we are getting from the wicket. That helped me a lot,” she added.
The series win against the West Indies provided a positive turnaround after a disappointing tour of Australia.
India secured victory in both the ODI and T20I series against the West Indies.
Deepti highlighted the team’s unity and resilience regardless of results. She emphasized the importance of supporting each other through both successes and setbacks.
“The experience of playing overseas definitely matters but one special aspect of this Indian team is that whether we win or lose, we stay together. We go through those ups and downs as a team and we always back each other,” she said.
The all-rounder emphasized her commitment to contributing in all aspects of the game. She expressed the satisfaction of achieving a 3-0 series victory.
“As an all-rounder, I always think about how much I can contribute to the team. When you win 3-0, there is always a good feeling,” she said.
“I like challenges. Whenever I face tough situations, I always like to step up for the team. You don’t always get into crunch situations as a player but I like to play this role as an all-rounder.”
“Today, I backed myself to put on a crucial partnership with Jemi (Jemimah Rodrigues) so that we could get closer to our total,” said Deepti, who put on 56 runs for the fifth wicket with Jemimah (29).
Deepti addressed the team’s 0-3 loss in Australia. She emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency and focus regardless of previous results.
“Sometimes it (defeats) happens, in a match or a series. Sometimes it doesn’t go well, sometimes it goes really well. The players are the same, we have to stay the same,” she said.