Trying to keep my head down and continue learning – Shafali Verma

Last year witnessed the Indian women's cricket team win their first-ever ICC World Cup after the Women in Blue beat South Africa in the grand finale. Shafali Verma, who replaced the injured Pratika Rawal, won the Player of the Match award for her scintillating 87 off just 78 balls and claimed two wickets in the summit clash.

Verma has been picked as the deputy to India’s new captain, Smriti Mandhana. Talking at the pre-match press conference, Verma took a stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about that incredible performance against South Africa while also opening up on the fact that she is no stranger to bowling crucial overs in the middle.

Verma said, “When Pratika got injured, I got a direct call-up. Luckily, at that time, I was playing state games for Haryana. In 2025, I worked a lot on myself and did everything alongside my cricket, as I have said before. I think the hard work I put in during 2025 has helped me a lot now. I am just trying to keep my head down and continue learning. Every day and with every experience, I am trying to learn something new.”

Reflecting on her important spell in the finale, Verma added, “Bowling is nothing new for me because I have been bowling for Haryana since 2021. When I used to bowl for Haryana, I would think that someday I would have to bowl for India. So, I mentally prepared myself for that possibility.”

She concluded by saying, “I used to think about how I would prepare if I got the opportunity to bowl for the Indian team. By God's grace, that opportunity came, and I was already mentally prepared.”