Follow UsShafali Verma wasn’t even in India’s plans for the Women’s ODI World Cup, but as fate would have it, she might be all set to start the all-crucial semi-final clash against Australia, on October 30 (Thursday). Verma replaced the injured Pratika Rawal in the squad and is expected to take her place in the playing XI unless the management decides otherwise.
Before being called up, the Haryana-born batter was in sizzling form at the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, where she piled up 341 runs in seven clashes, at a strike rate of 182.35. There, the right-hander hit 17 sixes, the joint-most in the competition alongside Kiran Navgire. So, will there be any pressure on her heading into the semi-final?
"I was playing domestic cricket and was in good touch," Shafali said, reported Cricbuzz. "Talking about the semi-finals, it's not something new for me because I've played many semi-finals before. It's just a matter of keeping my mind clear and giving myself confidence. I've been in such situations earlier, so it's nothing new. I'll keep telling myself to stay calm and believe in myself. So absolutely, I'll do well, 200%."
While insisting that it is ‘tough’ to switch formats easily, Verma revealed that the team has helped her immensely to get back into the 50-over groove.
"Absolutely, I was playing T20s, and as a batter, it's not easy to switch formats so quickly," Shafali said. "But we had good practice sessions yesterday and today. I stayed calm and batted well. I tried to attack the bowlers who were in my range. I've had long batting sessions over the last two days, and I'm feeling really good because whatever I'm trying is working out. So yes, I'm happy with my touch. It's looking very good for me."
Verma has batted at the top of the order her whole life, but come the semi-final against Australia, she is more than willing to bat anywhere in the Indian batting unit.
"That's a management call [if they want to play me tomorrow]. But if you ask me, I'm flexible," she said. "I can play anywhere, not just as an opener or in the middle order. The confidence I have in myself is very important as a sportsperson. So wherever the management wants me to play, I'm super ready."