India Women are not overly concerned about Deepti Sharma’s dip in form ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup. One of the most accomplished all-rounders in the game, Deepti has endured a lean run in the ongoing series against Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa, managing just two runs and going wicketless so far.
However, bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi backed her, emphasising that her pedigree outweighs a brief slump. He added that Deepti is reassessing her plans and believes it is only a matter of time before she rediscovers her rhythm and makes a strong impact again.
“One or two games or three games doesn’t justify the kind of talent she (Deepti) is, the kind of performances she has put in over the years. She is not at her best as of now but she has gone back to the drawing board, discussing all her game plans, what she wants to use during the games,” Salvi said in the pre-match press conference before the third T20I.
“It’s only a matter of a few instances where probably she just strikes and she comes back shining,” Salvi added.
DEEPTI SHARMA STRUGGLING IN T20IS
Deepti’s lean run has persisted for a while, particularly with the bat. Since the previous Women’s T20 World Cup in October 2024, she has managed just 90 runs from 11 innings at an average of 11.25, with a highest score of 29. Notably, she is yet to register a double-digit score since the start of 2025.
Her returns with the ball have dipped as well. Deepti has picked up only two wickets in her last seven games at an economy rate of 7.98, significantly higher than her career economy of 6.18 and has gone wicketless in her last four T20Is.
As far as India are concerned, they have made a poor start to the series, slipping to 0-2 after defeats at Kingsmead in Durban. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side now heads to Johannesburg, where they will take the field at the Wanderers Stadium in a must-win situation.
