Deepti Sharma’s composure leads India to a WODI win while keeping the bigger picture in mind.
Deepti Sharma on World Cup preparation was the focal point at the post-match press conference after India’s convincing four-wicket win over England in the first WODI. Scoring an unbeaten 62, the all-rounder not only helped India chase down a stiff target of 259 but also offered a calm and measured take on the road ahead. Deepti Sharma on World Cup Preparation
“We are taking one game at a time. The World Cup is still some time away,” she said, indicating that while the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup is important, India is staying grounded in the present.
🗓️ Not Looking Too Far Ahead
The Indian team, currently engaged in a series against England, is preparing for the World Cup with an eye on consistency and controlled execution. After a productive series in Sri Lanka and now starting the England tour with a win, confidence within the squad seems high.
“Just in terms of preparation for the World Cup — we did some really good things in Sri Lanka and here also. But the World Cup is a little far away,” Deepti remarked.
This is India’s penultimate ODI series before the World Cup, with one final series at home against Australia starting on September 14. The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup begins on September 30, with India facing Sri Lanka in their opening match. Deepti Sharma on World Cup Preparation
🤝 Match-Winning Partnership with Rodrigues
During the first ODI against England, Deepti stitched a crucial 90-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues, which changed the momentum in India’s favor. Deepti Sharma on World Cup Preparation
“When we were at the crease, the plan was to keep the scoreboard moving at 5-6 runs per over. I was calm and focused on batting till the end,” she said.
Deepti’s ability to remain unfazed during the chase, especially under pressure, was instrumental. Her presence at the crease ensured the team crossed the line with 10 balls to spare, a testament to her growing maturity as a finisher. Deepti Sharma on World Cup Preparation
🧠 Mind Over Nerves
Despite facing criticism in the past for her batting in crunch overs, Deepti has taken it in her stride.
“I was not nervous because I have played in similar situations before. I was confident that if I stayed till the end, I could finish it.” Deepti Sharma on World Cup Preparation
Her calculated batting approach paid off, and her confidence rubbed off on her teammates. The maturity displayed by Deepti reflects the evolving mindset of this young Indian side.
🎯 Focus: One Match at a Time
When asked about how much the World Cup was influencing her game or team strategy, Deepti reiterated the team’s current goal: Deepti Sharma on World Cup Preparation
“We are not thinking about the World Cup right now. We are just going one match at a time.”
This approach shows that while the Women’s World Cup remains a priority, India is prioritizing immediate match performance, an essential strategy for maintaining form and building momentum.
📈 India’s ODI Form on the Rise
India’s victory in the 1st WODI is not just about the result but about ticking several boxes ahead of the mega event. A composed chase, effective middle-over partnerships, and bowling strategies being tested are all adding up to a coherent preparation plan. Deepti Sharma on World Cup Preparation
With players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma in form, India’s batting depth is looking more reliable. Add to that the all-round performances from Sneh Rana and Radha Yadav, and India appears to be peaking at the right time.
🏆 Next Steps Towards the World Cup
While the World Cup might still be two months away, India’s performance curve is steadily rising. The home series against Australia in September will likely serve as the final testing ground.
Until then, expect this Indian side — led by calm heads like Deepti — to stay in the moment, take each game as it comes, and build toward the ultimate goal of lifting the World Cup.
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