A memorable moment for Indian cricketer Deepti Sharma occurred during the women’s cricket team’s post-World Cup victory reception at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence. Sharma, the tournament’s Player of the Tournament, shared that PM Modi specifically commented on her Lord Hanuman tattoo and her ‘Jai Shree Ram’ Instagram bio.
Sharma conveyed her exhilaration and humility, stating, “He mentioned my Hanuman ji tattoo and said he saw my Instagram bio with ‘Jai Shree Ram’. Hearing that from such a great leader made me feel special.” She found it remarkable that the Prime Minister was aware of such personal details, highlighting his engagement with the athletes.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi congratulated the team on their historic ICC Women’s World Cup win. He reminisced about his 2017 conversation with Sharma, recalling his advice to persevere through difficulties. Sharma affirmed the lasting impact of his words, noting, “His calm and composed attitude motivates me deeply.” His blessing, “Keep going, keep working hard — my blessings are with all of you,” was deeply appreciated by the team.
The significance of Sharma’s Hanuman tattoo was also a point of discussion. She revealed its deep personal meaning: “I believe in him more than I believe in myself. Whenever I’m in a difficult situation, I take his name, and I feel like I can overcome anything.” This spiritual anchor, alongside her bio, is central to her powerful mindset.
Sharma’s exceptional performance throughout the World Cup was crucial to India’s success. She led the charts in wickets (22) and was a consistent run-scorer (215), culminating in a stellar all-round display in the final. Her efforts earned her the Player of the Tournament award. The team’s interaction with the PM was also marked by camaraderie and lighthearted banter, symbolizing a growing appreciation for women’s sports.