Shafali Verma’s year in 2025 has been filled with ups and downs regarding her selection for the Indian women’s cricket team, leading to discussions within the cricket community. The year started with her being left out of the ODI squad as selectors chose players who offered reliability and technical skills at the top of the order.
Pratika Rawal’s consistent performance as an opener and her ability to support Smriti Mandhana played a significant role in her selection. Although Shafali is known for her powerful hitting, the selectors prioritized stability in the ODI format.
Shafali made a statement by performing exceptionally well in domestic matches and excelling in the WPL with Delhi Capitals. Her impressive performance led to her selection for the T20I series against England, where she was one of the top scorers in last three matches, she scored 47,31 and a solid 75, reigniting discussions about her return to the ODI squad. However, her lack of significant runs in ODIs raised concerns.
The announcement of the World Cup squad dealt another setback for Shafali, as she was excluded from both the main squad and the reserves list. Chief selector Neetu David emphasized that Shafali is still part of the system and encouraged to gain more experience in the 50-over format.
Away from the World Cup spotlight, Shafali Verma has showcased her remarkable talent in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2025, solidifying her reputation as one of the most formidable openers in Indian domestic cricket. Her explosive 107 runs off 61 balls against Himachal Pradesh featured aggressive batting right from the start, as she confidently took on the opposition’s top bowlers, consistently finding gaps and hitting boundaries.
In her following match against Tripura, Shafali demonstrated her adaptability by tailoring her approach to fit the situation. Scoring 70 runs off 41 balls, she displayed intelligent shot selection and timely aggression, reflecting her growing maturity as a batter. Instead of relying solely on brute strength, she incorporated well-timed drives and quick running between the wickets. This combination of aggression and control has made her a challenging batter to manage, particularly in high-stakes tournaments like the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy.
What stands out in these performers is not only Shafali’s ability to hit powerfully but also her composure in domestic matches. Despite being excluded from the World Cup earlier, her drive and determination remain strong. These innings have clearly communicated that Shafali is not just back in form but is also evolving her game, ready to face any challenge.
Shafali’s ongoing success in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy could serve as a steppingstone for her return to the Indian ODI squad, highlighting her potential as a key player in the future of Indian women’s cricket.
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