(Cricket news) The 12th edition of the ICC Women's World Cup will begin in just 2 weeks in New Zealand. Eight teams will play in a single group round robin before the top 4 play the knockouts. Despite being the runners up in the last edition, India won’t be too many people's favorite to win the tournament or even make it to the knockouts for that matter. 

After their recent defeat to New Zealand, India have lost 3 consecutive ODI series since the start of 2021. They have played some decent cricket but have failed miserably in pressure situations. There have been a lot of constant changes in the squad. Senior players Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami haven't been able to bring the calmness that one would expect them to. The Indian side definitely has potential with players like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur who are in their prime while youngsters like Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia and Richa Ghosh are exciting talents.

The one player who India will depend on a lot is Deepti Sharma. The Bengal all-rounder who bowls off spin and bats in the lower middle order is extremely crucial for India. Since making her international debut in 2014, Sharma has been a key part in India's success in ODIs and T20Is. Her all-round prowess is something the side depends on a lot despite there being like for like replacements on paper like Sneh Rana or even Harmanpreet Kaur to a certain extent.

Sharma has been incredibly consistent with both ball and bat for a long time which makes her undroppable. The 24-year-old has a healthy batting average of 36.45 in 64 WODIs to go along with her 30.78 bowling average. The numbers often don't do justice to a player's contribution, especially someone like Sharma. Despite her young age she has a lot of experience under her belt including big tournaments. 

India will be heavily reliant on Sharma to produce the goods at the big stage. She is often the go to spinner if they need to ball at the death and has also bowled successfully with the new ball many times. The only problem is that she will need support from the other spinners. Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav, Sneh Rana, Ekta Bisht and  Harmanpreet Kaur are the other slow bowlers in the squad and they definitely need to step up their game.

With the willow Deepti Sharma is the fix it lady for India. She is capable of playing to the situation at any given time. She can hold her end, rotate the strike, keep the scoreboard ticking and hit big if and when required. Apart from Smriti Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia at the top of the order, Sharma is one of three left handers in the squad with Smriti Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia. The left hand right hand combination could be key in the middle overs especially if the women in blue lose early wickets. It is safe to say that even though India has a lot of good players in Smriti Mandhana, Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur and Jhulan Goswami; Deepti Sharma might just be the most important one for her all-round ability.

Also read: Same old story continues as complacent India lose series against New Zealand