Shafali Verma: ‘I have matured as a cricketer and value my wicket more’

Talking to Hindustan Times, Verma said, “At the start, I was carefree and hit every ball I faced. I enjoyed dominating the bowlers, going for big shots. I have matured as a cricketer and value my wicket more. I want to contribute to every game so that my team benefits.”

Her renewed approach, she told HT was pragmatic. “I won’t say my style has changed much, but yes, I will be defensive too, and give respect to good bowlers. England has good bowlers like Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone. So, I won’t just throw my wicket,” she stressed.

Her time away from sport had taught her plenty. “In a sport, there will be ups and downs. I, too, have faced failures and disappointments, but I have learnt from them. Hard work and passion to play for India have kept me going”, Verma told HT.

For someone who got off to a flyer with her half century record being compared to men’s cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, Verma had suffered a dip in form and was ommitted from India sides. She has over 1000 T20I runs but this comeback is a crucial second chance for someone who couldn’t curb her feisty instincts and paid with her wicket often.

Verma credited her Delhi Capitals captain, Meg Laning, for bringing in a revised perspective in her strokeplay. She had spent a few days preparing at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to hone her skills, beforev joining old teammates ahead of the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in India & Sri Lanka.

“It is a matter of pride that India is hosting. I’m sure India will do well and make use of the home advantage. At the moment, my job is to do well in the T20Is in England. I hope to leave an impression, and then it is left to the selectors,” she told HT.

“Getting to represent your country is a dream come true. I have fought through disappointments and turned them (opportunities) into rewards with hard work. I now look forward to playing big knocks for India and showing my positive intent,” she added.