
Shafali Concentrates on 'Playing The Long Innings' For India Recovery
Shefali Verma, India’s prodigious batting talent, has been lighting up domestic cricket with a series of remarkable performances as she works toward regaining her spot in the national white-ball squads.
After being dropped from India’s ODI and T20I teams in November last year, Shafali has turned her focus to fine-tuning her game with the home ODI World Cup looming. Fans looking for updates and potential betting opportunities related to her performance and other cricket matches can explore platforms like Betpro exchange.
Dominating the Senior Women's One-Day Challenger Trophy
Currently leading Team A in the Senior Women’s One-Day Challenger Trophy in Chennai, Shafali has displayed incredible form. She has amassed 388 runs in just four matches, boasting an impressive average of 97.00 and an explosive strike rate of 146.96. Her standout performances include scores of:
- 115 off 70 balls
- 87 off 58 balls
- 95 off 65 balls
- 91 off 71 balls
After smashing a century at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Shafali reflected on her approach:
“First of all, the team is winning, and that is a very big thing. I am focusing on playing long innings and helping my team win. That is my priority as a player.”
Consistency Across Domestic Tournaments
Shafali’s brilliance isn’t limited to the Challenger Trophy. In December, she dominated the domestic one-day tournament, scoring a staggering 527 runs at an average of 75.28 and a strike rate of 152.31 for Haryana.
This outstanding form came after a challenging year in international cricket, where she managed only 108 runs in six ODIs at an average of 18.00, leading to her exclusion from the series against Australia, West Indies, and Ireland.
In her absence, opener Pratika Rawal has capitalized on opportunities, scoring 290 runs in five matches at an average of 58. Despite the competition, Shafali remains focused on refining her game.
Adapting and Improving
Shafali candidly acknowledged her struggle with converting starts into significant innings. However, she has been working on her ability to rotate strikes, build innings, and contribute effectively to the team.
“My starts have been good, but building an innings has been a challenge. I’ve been focusing on singles, converting starts, and doing what the team needs. It’s my job to perform for whichever team I play for.”
She revealed that the Indian team management’s advice has been straightforward:
“Believe in your batting and your strengths.”
The Road Ahead: Final Matches and Future Prospects
As the Challenger Trophy final and the Ireland series conclude, Shafali is setting her sights on the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 and India’s next international assignment in England, scheduled for June-July. Whether her domestic performances will earn her a recall to the national squad remains to be seen.
Shafali’s confidence, resilience, and determination make her a strong contender for a comeback. For now, her focus remains steadfast on contributing to her team’s success and proving her worth at every opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Shafali Verma’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the game. With stellar performances in domestic cricket and a focus on building long innings, she has positioned herself as a key player for India’s future white-ball campaigns. Fans and selectors will be watching closely as she continues to dominate the domestic circuit and push for a return to the national stage.