I Have Matured, Won't Throw My Wicket Away: Shafali Verma

Making her return to the Indian Women's set-up after almost eight months, Shafali Verma feels she has “matured as a cricketer” and wants to put more value on her wicket. The aggressive opener, who last played for the Women in Blue in October 2024, is part of India’s squad for the five-match T20I series in England, starting on June 28.

“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,” Shafali told the Hindustan Times.

“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.

“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.”

The 21-year-old has featured in 85 T20Is, scoring 2045 runs at an average of 25.56 and a strike rate of almost 130. Shafali, however, has been in stunning form of late. She was the leading run-getter in the Senior Women's One Day Trophy and the Senior Women's One Day Challenger Trophy, and then smashed 304 runs at a strike rate of 152.76 in the WPL 2025.

“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 added.

“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.”