Shafali Verma Aims for Fearless Cricket Ahead of Women's Champions Trophy

Building Up to the Champions Trophy

In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Indian vice-captain Shafali Verma expressed the team's ambition to adopt a style of "fearless cricket with intelligence" as they prepare for the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy scheduled for February next year. The team plans to approach their upcoming matches on a "series-by-series" basis.

As they gear up for a bilateral T20I series against Zimbabwe, followed by ODIs, the dynamic opener emphasized the importance of ongoing development and strategic focus. This series, commencing on Friday, will also mark the beginning of Smriti Mandhana's tenure as India’s full-time captain across all formats, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur, who recently stepped down after leading the team to a gold medal at the Asian Games.

Shafali shared with reporters, "We have discussed the need to play a fearless brand of cricket with intelligence leading up to the Champions Trophy."

She added, "We have conducted numerous meetings, ensuring everyone is clear on their roles. Our goal is to keep evolving from series to series."

This series signifies a new chapter in leadership following Harmanpreet Kaur's resignation from the captaincy.

With Smriti Mandhana at the helm, Shafali will serve as her deputy in T20Is, while Deepti Sharma takes on the vice-captaincy in ODIs.

Recognizing her predecessor's impact, Shafali remarked, "Harman has significantly contributed to the growth of women’s cricket, and its current shape is largely due to her efforts."

The talented batter also reflected on her journey as an all-rounder, noting her consistent bowling for her state team, Haryana, since 2021. "I have been bowling for Haryana since 2021, so it’s not unfamiliar to me. I often thought about how to prepare myself for bowling for India, and I have been mentally ready for it," she stated.

Regarding the absence of middle-order player Jemimah Rodrigues, who is currently sidelined due to injury, Shafali expressed confidence in the team's overall strength. "Jemi is on the mend, but during the Asia Cup and the Asian Games, we managed well without her. The performances from Richa Ghosh and Harman were impressive, and with Niki Prasad joining us, we are optimistic about her contributions as well," she mentioned.

India will commence their home series with a three-match T20I contest against Zimbabwe in Raipur, followed by three ODIs in Vadodara.

India vs Zimbabwe series schedule:

First T20I: October 16, Raipur

Second T20I: October 18, Raipur

Third T20I: October 20, Raipur

First ODI: October 23, Vadodara

Second ODI: October 25, Vadodara

Third ODI: October 28, Vadodara.