Manchester: India’s explosive opener Shafali Verma says her growing effectiveness with the ball is no accident as meticulous preparation and visualisation have helped her evolve into an all-rounder capable of contributing in multiple roles for the team.
Known primarily for her aggressive batting, Shafali has emerged as a useful bowling option in recent months, often chipping in with crucial breakthroughs. With her off-spin she had even opened the attack against South Africa in India’s last World Cup game.
“It’s not like that I have never bowled before,” Shafali, who claimed two crucial wickets in the final of the ODI World Cup, told reporters on the eve of their T20 World Cup match against Bangladesh.
Shafali made international headlines with an unprecedented all-round display. By smashing an unbeaten half-century and taking 3 wickets in a single match, she became only the third player in the world to achieve this feat in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Demonstrating complete trust in her versatility, the team leadership India women’s national cricket team allowed Shafali to open the batting and take the new ball in the second innings.
Shafali credits Smriti Mandhana for keeping her grounded and focused during partnerships. She also attributes her maturity and World Cup heroics to the invaluable advice. Her ability to restrict top-order batters with speed variations during the powerplay has become an X-factor for India.
