Following Pratika Rawal’s injury just before the knockout stages, Shafali Verma Verma made a stunning debut in the India Women’s World Cup 2025 squad. The Haryana-born player took full advantage of the chance and helped India experience victory for the first time in the finals against South Africa by playing a match-winning innings and a crucial stint with the ball in the second innings.
The young player’s return to the team was quite the emotional roller coaster. But according to her, the voyage that materialized was the one in which God blessed her for persevering in her hard work in the face of obstacles and adversity.
“I had a difficult year last year. Despite all of the difficulties I encountered, I persisted in my efforts and received God’s blessing. I was committed to helping the team win the World Cup when I joined before the semi-final, she added. “The final is a huge stage every time. I was a little anxious at first, but I collected myself, concentrated on my plan, and carried it out well. According to ESPNcricinfo, Shafali Verma told reporters, “That helped me deliver an all-round performance.”
Despite her initial exclusion from the World Cup roster, she eventually had the match of her life as the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team won the cup and their first ICC trophy. “The entire Playing XI took the field on the night of the finals with the sole purpose of giving it their all for the country,” the opening batter continued.
“I made an effort to remain composed and carry out my intentions, and everything went according to plan. On her path to a fantastic World Cup finale, she continued, “The only thought was that we had to give our all in those seven hours for our country.”
Shafali Verma advises women to believe in themselves and put in a lot of effort.
In order to set an example, Shafali Verma also emphasized the significance of women’s involvement in all spheres of society. According to her, society should constantly support young ladies who choose to pursue unusual careers and succeed in any field they decide on because doing so would ultimately have a positive social and cultural impact.
In whichever sector they choose, she said, “they should always work hard and have self-belief, the results will follow.”
Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma have both shown themselves worthy of being considered for a berth, so it will be intriguing to see who opens for Smriti Mandhana and the Women in Blue.
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