After an absence from the international spotlight, India’s explosive opener Shafali Verma is all set to don the blue once again as she returns to the Indian squad for the T20I series against England Women, starting June 28. Known for her fearless strokeplay and aggressive intent at the top, the 21-year-old is more than just a batter – she’s a statement.
Speaking about her comeback she expressed, “What I have learnt is that, if a good player can experience good times, then she should also be able to witness the bad times. Mentality I believe in both of the situations you should be able to digest it, that you can become a star.”
“When you come back after facing tough situations, but then coming back with the team, it’s such a great environment, it’s a great feeling. Batting is going very well, and I’m happy to make my comeback.”
Shafali reflected on the tough times she was going through, “10 days before the selection my father got a heart attack, so I think that was a very tough situation for me. And after that I didn’t get my selection in the team, so keeping myself boosted up in that situation was very tough as I didn’t know what was happening.”
“After that I worked on my fitness for 20-25 days, and then after 25 days I held up my bat, it was a great feeling. I got a boost. It happens when you pick up the bat and ball after 25 days, it’s a completely different feeling. Time teaches you everything, so I thought I’ll keep my process good, whatever happens after that I will see.”
Speaking about her father she stated, “After my father’s recovery, he helped me a lot in practices. Before the domestic season he himself helped me in the batting. It has been quite an up-down moment for me, but in life it is essential to face this only then you become a strong person in life.”
“Earlier I used to think about smashing a six and a four on every ball but realised a good spell must be respected and is important.”
Speaking about her idol Sachin Tendulkar, and the role Sachin’s batting clips played in this comeback, she explained, “I saw Sachin sir’s Test innings and I got a lot of motivation from that. And it also reminded me of the early childhood days, of how I am always following him. I didn’t miss any of his matches and covered all of his matches, and I guess from their respecting the ball came for me as it builds a good innings for myself, that’s what I learnt from his videos.”
“I just thought wherever I will get the opportunity, I will be making runs and not think about the future much. And then came WPL where I made runs. I didn’t give it a thought that if I do this, I’ll get selected there or whatsoever; all I thought was that I will live in the present and not think of the future. So, I think being in the present was the biggest motivation for myself.”
“When my name came for the T20Is, against England, my father called me and said to focus on my own work and whatever happens the Lord will make it happen and will see.”
“So, I think it’s time, here in England, to win the series. I have played here before, so I am aware of the factors and wickets are good here, its bouncy so for batters’ bouncy wicket is very good. So, I’m really excited for the series. After a long time touching the Indian jersey, for whom you play, getting it back, it’s a moment of joy.”
Having battled injuries and spent time refining her game, Shafali’s return marks not just the revival of her own journey but also injects fresh energy on the Indian side gearing up for a competitive tour of England.
