When asked why she’s often called the Ben Stokes of the Indian women’s cricket team, Deepti Sharma responded with a subtle smile. However, it was head coach Amol Muzumdar’s remarks at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2025 that truly captured the admiration behind that comparison. He mentioned that within the team, Deepti is affectionately called as “Stokesy,” a name that really reflects her play style, determination, and versatility.
Muzumdar explained, “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.”
He elaborated on the comparisons, noting, “Never misses a match, Stokes doesn’t miss a match. And above all, I think her throw resembles Ben Stokes’. Come and catch her throw once.”
These comments go beyond mere flattery. In the recently concluded ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Deepti truly made her mark. She finished with 215 runs and 22 wickets, becoming the first player in women’s cricket to achieve over 200 runs and 20 wickets in a single World Cup.
The reason the comparison to Ben Stokes feels so fitting is that it reflects not only performance but also character and impact. Throughout the World Cup, Deepti consistently rose to the occasion. With the bat, she scored three half-centuries, and with the ball, she delivered crucial spells, including a remarkable five-wicket haul in the final match against South Africa.
During that same conversation at HTLS, Deepti shared a childhood moment that changed everything. As a nine-year-old, while accompanying her brother to a match, she picked up a stray ball and threw it straight at the stumps from about 50 meters away. It was a moment that signalled she had a natural talent.
When asked about the power behind that throw, Deepti modestly replied, “I think I can say that it is natural. I mean, when the journey started with this, I can say it is natural. Plus, I also work on my strength. So, I think it has also developed a lot.”
This combination of raw talent and unwavering dedication tells Deepti’s story and explains why she resonates with the same aura as Ben Stokes. But more than just a nickname, “Stokesy” reflects a deep respect, respect for a player who can change the game with her bat, ball, or sharp fielding throw; respect for someone whose influence goes beyond statistics; respect for a leader who embodies consistency and a relentless desire to win.
As women’s cricket in India celebrates its first World Cup title, Deepti Sharma stands as a shining example of what modern all-rounders are all about. While the nickname may connect her to Stokes, there’s a growing sense that one day “Stokesy” will be recognised for her achievements in her own right.
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