Shafali Verma focusing on art of building innings with India comeback in mind

Shafali Verma has been sidelined from the Indian women’s team, having last represented the team in November 2024. She is leading India A team in Senior Women’s One-Day Challenger Trophy and the team has reached final of the tournament. The Women's ODI World Cup 2025 is scheduled to be played in India and the opening batter is aiming for a comeback into the Indian squad. 

Speaking of her performance in the ongoing Senior Women’s One-Day Challenger Trophy, she has scored 388 runs in four matches at a stellar average of 97.00 and a strike rate of 146.96. Her scores read 115 off 70 balls, 87 off 58, 95 off 65 and 91 off 71, making a strong case for a comeback. Before this, Shafali had a brilliant time at the domestic one-day trophy for Haryana in December as she amassed 527 runs at an average of 75.28 and a strike rate of 152.31.

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“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."

Building an innings has been an issue: Shafali

On her potential comeback, Shafali added that she has not made any changed to her batting or approach. She is just focusing on converting her starts into substantial scores. 

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“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," Shafali stated.

"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," she added.