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Shafali Verma focusing on "those singles, how to build the innings" for India comeback
Follow UsIn the ongoing Senior Women's One-Day Challenger Trophy, she has scored 388 runs across four matches at an average of 97 and a strike rate of 146.96
Shafali Verma, who is currently out of the Indian set-up because of her lacklustre and inconsistent performances in the two white-ball formats, is eyeing a comeback after dominating domestic cricket. With a home ODI World Cup scheduled later this year, the right-handed opener has been scoring runs for fun in the domestic competitions.
In the one-day trophy in December, Shafali smashed 527 runs at an average of 75.28 and a strike rate of 152.31 for Haryana. Now, in the ongoing Senior Women's One-Day Challenger Trophy in Chennai, the dynamic batter has scored 388 runs across four matches at an average of 97 and a strike rate of 146.96.
"Feeling very good. First of all, the team is winning, that is a very big thing. So yes, all I am thinking is how much more I can build on and play (the) long innings,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Shafali as saying.
"As a player, it is our job to give our best for the team and fulfill the needs. That is what I try, to contribute and help the team win. And yes, if I play long innings, as you can see, team is winning."
In her absence, India have given Pratika Rawal an opportunity. The 24-year-old has already made quite a mark in her five-ODI career, smashing 290 runs at an average of 58 and a strike rate of 86.56. Shafali surely understands it won’t be easy to get back into the national setup, and she can only do so by playing those long innings.
"As you all know, my starts are good but building an innings has been an issue. But now, I am focusing on how to get those singles, how to build the innings, how to do well for the team. That is what I am trying to do,” said Shafali.
"I think this is my job, to do well for the team. I know I am dropped from the India team, but it is my job to play well for the team (whichever I play for). And now, my focus is on the Challengers and I want to do well in the final and win the trophy (on Wednesday).
"They (India team management) just said 'believe in your batting, believe in your strength'. They are very chill, very good. They are backing me, so yes. Every innings starts from zero. For the final also, the innings will begin on zero and, as I know, the team needs me a lot in the batting. So that is what I am trying, to try and build the innings well and win the trophy."