India’s women’s World Cup winner Shafali Verma stated on Sunday that she has faced numerous challenges over the past year and worked “extremely hard” to improve her game, culminating in a historic World Cup victory.
Picked as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, the 21-year-old Shafali was named the player of the final for her 87 runs with the bat and 2/36 with the ball in the team’s 52-run win against South Africa.
“The last one year was very tough for me. I faced a lot of struggles, but I kept working extremely hard and was rewarded by God for my effort,” Shafali told reporters after a felicitation programme.
Shafali was called up to the Indian squad on the eve of the semifinal against the formidable Australian team, and although she did not perform well in that match, she shone in the final.
“When I joined the Indian team ahead of the semifinal, I was determined to contribute to the World Cup victory. The final is always a big stage. Initially, I was a bit nervous, but I calmed myself, focused on my strategy, and executed it well. That helped me deliver an all-round performance,” Shafali said.
After receiving a grand welcome upon her arrival in her hometown Rohtak, the swashbuckling opener urged girls to have self-belief and work hard, saying results will come.
“They should always put in the hard work in whatever field they may choose and also have self-belief, and results will follow,” Shafali said.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led team made a significant mark in Indian women’s cricket by winning its maiden global title, the 50-over World Cup, with a victory over South Africa in the final in Navi Mumbai last Sunday.
Role Model Sachin
Shafali, who considers batting legend Sachin Tendulkar her role model, spoke about her family’s support in achieving her dreams.
Replying to a question about the final, she said, “I was trying to stay calm and execute my plans and things went as per plan.
“The only thought was that we have to give it all in those seven hours for our country.”
She also mentioned that she has no regrets about missing out on scoring a century, emphasising that lifting the World Cup was more important.
Regarding the team’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said the PM spent two hours with them and motivated them.
Shafali added that she is now looking forward to meeting Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on November 12.
Meanwhile, Haryana minister Krishan Kumar Bedi, who was present when Shafali reached Rohtak and later felicitated her, said she had made the country and the state proud.
On Wednesday, PM Modi met the team at his residence and praised the players for their landmark triumph after enduring a tough phase marked by three consecutive defeats in the round robin stage of the tournament.
(With inputs from Agencies)
