Shafali Verma's Comeback: A New Chapter in Indian Cricket

Shafali Verma's Return to the Indian Team

New Delhi, June 28: In September 2019, a young cricketer named Shafali Verma made headlines with her remarkable batting skills and fearless approach. At just 15 years old, she captivated audiences with her explosive style, leaving bowlers on edge. However, as with any athlete, growth and adaptation are crucial, and for Shafali, this evolution became necessary.

As India embarks on a five-match T20I series against England in Nottingham, Shafali, now 21, re-enters the national team with the same fierce spirit, but enhanced by experience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to achieving higher scores on the international stage.

After being sidelined from the national squad for nearly eight months following the previous year's T20 World Cup and underwhelming performances in subsequent ODI series against New Zealand, Shafali faced personal challenges as her father, Sanjeev, suffered a heart attack and required hospitalization.

Despite these hardships, with the domestic season approaching and her father encouraging her to train, Shafali dedicated herself to rigorous practice, focusing on her fitness and skill development, which has led to her reinstatement in the national team. Her efforts have paid off, as she emerged as the top run-scorer in the 2024/25 Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, amassing 527 runs at an impressive average of 75.29 and a strike rate of 152.31.

Following that, she continued her strong performance in the Senior Women’s One-Day Challenger Trophy, scoring 414 runs at an average of 82.8 and a strike rate of 145.26. In the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL), she also shone for Delhi Capitals, accumulating 304 runs in nine innings with a strike rate of 152.76, making her the team's leading scorer.

Shafali's return to the Indian team has been met with optimism. Her coach at the Shri Ram Narain Cricket Club in Rohtak, Ashwani Kumar, expressed confidence in her abilities, stating, “Everyone is excited about her return, and we hope she performs well. Her time spent at the academy has been invaluable.”

Reflecting on Shafali's growth, Ashwani emphasized her improved shot selection. “In the past, her early shot choices sometimes hindered her innings. We discussed how to mentally tackle aggressive bowling, and she took those lessons seriously.”

While Shafali maintains her aggressive batting style, there is now a noticeable restraint, indicating her intent to value her wicket and extend her innings. Milap Mewada, the fielding coach for Delhi Capitals in WPL 2025, noted that this evolution is crucial for her development as an opening batter.

“In T20 cricket, while the goal is to score quickly, there are opportunities to bat longer. I hope to see her play at least 65 balls in these T20 matches, establishing a strong presence at the crease,” he remarked.

Mewada also pointed out that experiencing setbacks can lead to valuable lessons. “When a player is dropped, they often gain a deeper appreciation for their place in the team. Shafali has recognized her past mistakes, which is essential for her growth.”

He further added, “If she can learn to navigate her challenges, particularly in converting starts into bigger scores, she could significantly impact the team.”

Another area of focus for Shafali has been addressing her struggles with short balls. Mewada observed her commitment to improving in this aspect during her time with Delhi Capitals, where she worked on facing deliveries that posed difficulties in the past.

“Her ability to adapt and enhance her game is promising. If she can play longer innings and effectively rotate the strike, it could pave the way for her inclusion in the ODI team, especially with the World Cup approaching,” he noted.

Shafali's impressive performances in the T20I series against England could be pivotal for her return to the ODI squad, a decision that the selection committee, led by Neetu David, will need to make ahead of the World Cup.

With no other female cricketer in India matching Shafali's exceptional batting prowess, her return is highly anticipated. The fireworks she brings to the game are still evident, but now they are complemented by a newfound maturity, signaling the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her cricketing journey.

--IANS