India's triumphant ICC Women's World Cup 2025 campaign on home soil was powered by numerous stellar performances, but one player stood out for her all-round brilliance: Deepti Sharma. The seasoned all-rounder's phenomenal contributions with both bat and ball were pivotal in India lifting the coveted trophy for the first time. Her exceptional display has now earned her a fascinating nickname within the team dressing room, as revealed by head coach Amol Muzumdar.
The 'Stokesy' Revelation at HTLS 2025
Speaking at the prestigious Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS) 2025 in New Delhi, Indian women's cricket team head coach Amol Muzumdar shared an intriguing insight. He disclosed that Deepti Sharma is affectionately referred to as 'Stokesy' by her teammates and coaching staff, drawing a direct parallel to England's legendary all-rounder Ben Stokes.
Muzumdar explained the reasoning behind this comparison, citing specific similarities he observed. "Stokes, because there are a lot of similarities, isn't it? I mean, I worked a little bit with Ben Stokes with the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. There are a few similarities with Deepti. She bats left-handed, she bowls right-handed, Stokes does that. She bats at number 6; Stokes does that. Most hard-working cricketer in the team," Muzumdar stated. He was responding to a question from veteran sports journalist and HT columnist, Sharda Ugra.
A Record-Breaking World Cup Campaign
The nickname is a testament to Sharma's immense value, which was on full display during the World Cup. Her performance was nothing short of historic. With the ball, she was a constant threat, claiming 22 wickets throughout the tournament. This included a match-winning five-wicket haul in the final against South Africa, which strangled the opposition's chase and sealed the title for India.
Her prowess wasn't limited to bowling. With the bat, Sharma repeatedly rescued the team during critical phases. She scored three crucial half-centuries under pressure, bailing out Harmanpreet Kaur's side on multiple occasions en route to the championship.
This dual dominance led to a unique and unprecedented record. Deepti Sharma became the first player in the history of the ICC Women's World Cup to achieve the double of 200 runs and 20 wickets in a single edition. She amassed a total of 215 runs to go with her 22 wickets, a feat that rightly earned her the Player of the Tournament award.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
The emergence of a world-class all-rounder like Deepti Sharma, capable of influencing games in multiple ways, is a massive boost for the future of Indian women's cricket. Being compared to a transformative figure like Ben Stokes highlights the expectations and the match-winning role she is now entrusted with.
Coach Muzumdar's revelation at HTLS 2025 not only celebrates Sharma's past achievements but also sets the stage for her future as the cornerstone of the Indian lineup. Her work ethic, mirrored in the 'Stokesy' comparison, suggests that this World Cup victory might just be the beginning of a new, dominant era for the Women in Blue, with Sharma playing a central role.
