New Delhi, 14 August (H.S.):

Indian women's cricket team's star all-rounder Deepti Sharma is using The Hundred 2026 as an important platform to fine-tune her preparations ahead of the upcoming Women's Asia Cup.

Representing Sunrisers Leeds Women, Deepti has impressed with her performances in bowling and fielding and is determined to make the most of every opportunity in the tournament to further strengthen all three aspects of her game — batting, bowling and fielding. She said she wants to give her best in The Hundred so that she can enter the Asia Cup, beginning on August 28, fully prepared.

Speaking to JioStar, Deepti said, “There is still some time before the Women's Champions Trophy, which will be played in February 2027. So, for now, my focus is on The Hundred. The Women's Asia Cup begins on August 28, and it is an important tournament for the Indian team.”

She added, “Playing in The Hundred is giving me a great opportunity to work on my abilities across batting, bowling and fielding. I am trying to make the most of this tournament so that I can go into the Asia Cup fully prepared. I am giving my best for Sunrisers Leeds, and this will help me grow as a player while also benefiting the team in the long run.”

Speaking about joining Sunrisers Leeds, Deepti said she was thrilled when she was selected for the team because orange is her favourite colour.

“When I was picked by Sunrisers Leeds, I was very excited because orange is my favourite colour. So whenever I see orange, it always makes me feel good. Playing here at our home ground in Leeds is special. The ground is packed with Sunrisers fans, and wherever I look, I can see orange,” she said.

She added, “I think the fans are also enjoying watching us perform well at home. As a team, we genuinely appreciate each other's contributions, whether it is a good innings or a disciplined bowling spell. We are enjoying the experience as a group. The more we learn from these experiences, the better it will be for us.”

Reflecting on the pride of wearing the Indian team's jersey, Deepti said, “When you wear the blue jersey, it fills you with pride — for yourself, your family and your country. It is not just a jersey; it represents years of hard work and sacrifice. When expectations are high and you manage to perform well for your country, that feeling is extremely special.”

She added, “With it comes responsibility, but we all embrace that responsibility. Everyone wants us to succeed as a team and bring happiness to the fans who support us. That is what motivates us to give our best every time we step onto the field.”

Speaking about performing under challenging circumstances, Deepti said, “Every match is important to me. It is not just about the Women's Champions Trophy. Whenever I play a match, I try to give more than 100 per cent, whether it is a major tournament or any other game. The more I can contribute to the team, the better.”

She added, “I genuinely enjoy facing challenges. Whenever difficult situations arise, I am always ready for them. In fact, I like pressure moments because they motivate me to perform even better.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar