The Group A Ranji Trophy encounter between Haryana and Mumbai in 2013 will always be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history as the final domestic fixture featuring the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Yet, its resonance extends beyond a mere farewell to one of cricket’s most celebrated batters. For it was during this match that the seed of Shafali Verma’s passion for cricket was sown, as she watched the spectacle from the comfort of the stadium.  

Shafali has come a long way since then, establishing herself as the most exciting young prodigy, and her aggressive batting style has been a major crowd-pullers in the shortest format of the game. In the recently concluded Women’s Premier League, Shafali forged a formidable opening duo with Meg Lanning for Delhi Capitals.  

In a conversation with Man’s World India, Shafali spills the beans on her experience of leading a U-19 team to glory, her successful partnership with Lanning at Delhi Capitals, and her association with Hyundai Motor India that has been a key partner in her journey.  

Tell us about your experience of leading the India U-19 team at the World Cup. What were some of the major takeaways from the U-19 World Cup ?  

It was a really good experience. I didn’t feel the pressure much because I enjoy the responsibility of being a captain of a team. It makes you more focused on every little aspect of the game. Even now I get goosebumps when I think about that winning moment. Leading the team to U-19 World Cup championship was a major booster for me. There were so many things I got to learn that I just can’t explain in words.  

You rarely bowl at the international level. What prompted you to take bowling responsibility at U-19 World Cup?  

We had a discussion with the team management, and everyone was keen on the idea of me chipping out with some overs. But not only at U-19, I’ve been working on my bowling for quite some time now, and I am very focused on improving that aspect of my game. I want to contribute more with my bowling for the national team too.  

How do you deal with such a lean patch, when things are not going your way?  

It was not that easy for me to accept that I’d been dropped from the playing XI. I always believe that learning from setbacks is very important for a sportsperson. A good day on the field, of course, gives me enjoyment and confidence but it’s equally important to not get complacent when it comes to your efforts, and I’m always eager to improve myself. When I was dropped from the playing XI, I just decided to keep quiet and believe in the process.  

2022- 2023 has been a game changer in Women Cricket in India. What do you think the future holds for Women Cricket/ Cricketers in India?  

This year has been an exciting and turning point for women’s cricket in India. We need more partners like Hyundai Motor India who believe and support Women in sports. I am sure with more opportunities and partners; Indian Women Cricket will continue to make India proud on the global stage.  

Has there ever been a point when you seriously considered changing your batting approach?  

I can’t change too much in my batting now. I’m just learning to improve my decision-making when it comes to choosing which ball to hit and where to hit. Aggression gives me confidence so I don’t want to shed that.  

We know Shafali is an aggressive batter, but only recently we knew that you are quite aggressive on the field as well. Soon after you grabbed the catch, you gave a fiery send-off to Australia’s Beth Mooney in the T20I World Cup. Is it true that this world-beating Australian team always brings the best out of the Indian team?  

Aggression is always there when you play for India because we know we must win for our country. And playing against Australia is always tough. They have the most experienced playing XI, and we as a team don’t want to reveal our weaknesses. Being aggressive is a way of showing them what we are here for, and that we are as good as them.  

How was the experience of playing with Meg Lanning for Delhi Capitals? What adjustments you need to make when you’re opening with Lanning in WPL and Smriti Mandhana in the Indian team?  

She is pretty good. I had never got an opening partner like Lanning before. She will come back to me and give instructions after every ball, and I always tried to keep that in my mind. Of course, both Lanning and Mandhana have very different game, and I have to adjust accordingly. I know Mandhana will give me singles and it is my responsibility to shift through the gears. Lanning is very experienced, and I always give her the strike when my strokes are not coming.  

Your father always wanted you to attack the best bowler on the team. He must be happy with some of the knocks you played in the WPL. Especially your unbeaten 76 against Gujarat Giants.  

My father used to say that you need to hit against great bowlers to become a great batter. He was very pleased with that knock but he rarely shows his happiness in front of me. Even I was very glad about how I attacked Gardner, who is one of the best bowlers in the world.  

Do you like to set a target for yourself and work towards achieving it? Or do you take each day as it comes?  

I’ve always set targets in my life, and currently, my goal is to lead the Indian team and win World Cup with them. I always want to make my nation proud with my efforts, and I’m striving to become the best at what I do.  

What do you like to spend time on when you’re not busy with cricket?  

I love spending time alone in nature when I don’t have anything to do. I also like learning about different cultures. I try to keep my schedule easy, and give myself a proper breathing space on such days. I also enjoy playing different sports like volleyball and badminton with my friends.