As the Indian women’s cricket team rewrites history, explosive batter Shafali Verma finds herself in an unusual position—watching her teammates dominate the field from home. Once celebrated as the next big thing in Indian women’s cricket, Shafali’s journey has hit a roadblock following a dip in form and her subsequent omission from the national squad. However, her story is one of resilience, introspection, and determination to return stronger.
A Heartbreaking Setback
Shafali’s exclusion from the team was particularly challenging, as it coincided with her father’s health scare:
- Father’s Heart Attack: Just two days before she was dropped, Shafali’s father suffered a heart attack. The batter, worried about his recovery, chose to withhold the news of her omission until he was better.
- Emotional Strain: “I chose not to disclose it immediately because my father had suffered a heart attack. I shared it with him a week later.” Shafali shared, revealing the emotional weight she carried during that time.
The Rise of Pratika Rawal
While Shafali struggled, Pratika Rawal, her replacement, quickly made a mark:
- Rawal’s Performances: In just six matches, Rawal has smashed a century and three half-centuries, cementing her place at the top of the order.
A Determined Comeback Trail
Despite the setback, Shafali has shown immense grit:
- Domestic Success:
- Scored 527 runs in one domestic tournament and 414 runs in another, amassing an impressive tally of 941 runs in 12 matches.
- Focus on Improvement: Shafali is working on:
- Strike Rotation: Learning to take singles and build innings when deliveries don’t match her natural strengths.
- Mental Toughness: Adapting to situations and becoming a smarter cricketer.
- Strengths from Childhood: Recalling drills and workouts she mastered as a young player, guided by her father.
Shafali acknowledged:
“Sometimes as kids even we forget our strengths, but they don’t. Father reminded me of the workouts and drills from my childhood. These are my strengths, and occasionally, it takes some effort to revisit them and remind yourself of your own capabilities.”
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on her game, Shafali said:
“Everyone is aware of my strengths, but the ongoing focus is on sharpening my mental game and mastering the art of constructing an innings more effectively.”
The Road Ahead
With a stellar domestic season and a renewed focus on refining her skills, Shafali is determined to reclaim her spot in the national team. Her story is a testament to the fact that setbacks, no matter how tough, can be a stepping stone to greater achievements.
Shafali Verma may be down, but she’s far from out—and her journey back promises to be one to watch.