From where I come, to play for our country is big thing, big honour for me : Shafali Verma

The ultimate aspiration of every youngster passionate about a particular sport is to represent the nation. As for 20-year-old cricketer, Shafali Verma, she actualized it when she made her India debut in 2019. This milestone was even more poignant for her considering her humble origins in Rohtak, a quite modest city in Haryana, India.

Not even a month ahead of the ninth edition of the Women's T20 World Cup, Verma was involved in a discussion with Star Sports, the broadcasting channel of the tournament. She spoke on representing the nation as a moment that is always brimmed with happiness and a whole lot of sentiments. Despite being only a 20-year-old, she was mature when she spoke on the continuity that she is expected to bring to her game whenever she dons the jersey and not just settle for the bare minimum.    

“It's a monumental achievement for me because from where I have come (referring to her humble roots), and playing for our country, it's a very big thing, a big honour for me. Wearing the India T-shirt, it's quite emotional and the happiest feeling as well. The only thought going through my mind is how much better can I do for the team as well as the country," stated Verma.

"I have already received the jersey but my sole focus is how well can I carry the weight of the expectations it brings upon myself whenever I put it on along with how much honour can I bring being associated with it," added Verma.  

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Currently occupied with the 10-day camp at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, Verma & Co. will be departing to the UAE from Mumbai on September 24, 2024. India Women will be going up against West Indies Women and South Africa Women as part of preparation for the mega-event on September 29 and October 1, respectively before kicking off their campaign with an encounter against New Zealand Women, scheduled for October 4.