Back in April, when Deepti Sharma was enduring a lean run during India's tour of South Africa, bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi remained unfazed by concerns over the off-spinner's form. 'It's only a matter of a few instances where probably she just strikes, and she comes back shining,' Salvi had said.
On Sunday at Edgbaston, Deepti proved her coach right. Returning to a venue where she has often produced her finest performances, the 28-year-old delivered a match-winning spell of 5/10 to help India beat Pakistan in their Women's T20 World Cup opener.
It was yet another reminder of Deepti's knack for rising on the biggest stages. The performance was the result of quiet work behind the scenes. As wickets and runs dried up during the bilateral season, Deepti continued to put in the hours at the nets, sharpened her fitness, and returned to the drawing board under Salvi's guidance. 'I'm focusing on my process — the same things I do in practice, I apply in matches. These things help me, and I have to keep moving forward, keep improving,' Deepti said.
The off-spinner admitted she thrives on the big stage. 'I think I like the pressure conditions and ICC tournaments; I feel I have started from where I had finished (at the ODI World Cup), so it feels good.'
Despite a quiet buildup to the tournament, Deepti said she never doubted her ability to deliver when it mattered. 'I was not worried when I didn't get wickets. I always believe in myself that whenever the right time comes, I'll step up for the team, and that's how I play and bowl,' she said.
Deepti, who became the highest wicket-taker in the format, said adapting to the conditions was crucial. 'I varied my pace every ball because it was turning. That helped me a lot. I just had to bowl a little slower in the air and in the right areas,' she added.
India, she said, are also not burdened by the expectations of being reigning ODI champions. 'It doesn't matter how you start your campaign; we got that confidence from last year's World Cup, and we are not taking it as pressure. We just want to play our best cricket in every match.'
