‘Scoring runs for India is most important’ – Shafali Verma's father on his daughter’s comparisons with Virender Sehwag

India Women aren’t experiencing good times against England Women in their only Test match. The Indian team is trailing behind by 82 runs at the end of day three. England were absolutely brilliant during the first innings of the game as they posted a massive 396 runs on the scoreboard.

Batting in the second innings, India experienced a dream ride as the opening duo of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma scripted a 167-run partnership. While Smriti made a contribution of 78 runs, it was Shafali who stole all the limelight for her class and character on her Test debut.

Playing at the County Ground in Bristol, Verma slammed a stunning 96 runs. The knock by the youngster attracted the attention of many pundits and commoners as Shafali received applause from all over the cricket fraternity. After receiving abundant love on social media, Verma took to her social media handle to thank hwe well-wishers.

“I would like to thank each and every one of you for your kind words of support and for your wishes. It would not be possible to respond to each message individually. I am proud to be a part of this team and such wonderfully supportive teammates and support staff,” Shafali tweeted.

“I know my father, my family, my Association, my team and academy will miss those 4+ run more than me but I will make it up to them on other occasions. They have all been a huge support,” she added.

I know my father, my family, my Association, my team and academy will miss those 4+ runs more than me but I will make it up to them on other occasions 😁. They have all been a huge support!

— Shafali Verma (@TheShafaliVerma) June 17, 2021

Shafali Verma compared with Virender Sehwag

The 17-year-old’s dynamic knock on the English pitch included 13 boundaries and two maximums. The blistering innings played by the opening batter resulted in many fans comparing her with India’s Men veteran opening batsman Virender Sehwag. However, Shafali’s father believes that it will too soon to make comparisons, and right now their priority is that Verma continues scoring runs for her team. 

“There is nothing to compare and my daughter scoring runs for India is most important. But if people are comparing her with great players, then it’s a good thing, but our happiness lies in she scoring runs for the country,” Sanjeev told Zee News English in a telephonic interaction on Friday afternoon.