Shafali Verma credits hard work for World Cup success

From battling form slumps to scripting a match-winning performance on the biggest stage, India’s young cricket star Shafali Verma says her World Cup glory was the result of “extreme hard work and unwavering belief.”

The 21-year-old opener, who was drafted into the Indian squad as a late replacement for injured Pratika Rawal, emerged as the player of the final in India’s 52-run victory over South Africa in the women’s 50-over World Cup final at Navi Mumbai last Sunday. Shafali scored a blazing 87 and claimed 2/36, powering India to its first-ever global title in women’s cricket.

Speaking at a felicitation event in her hometown Rohtak, Shafali reflected on the tough year leading up to her triumph. “Last year was very hard for me. I faced a lot of struggles but never gave up. I worked extremely hard and was rewarded by God for that effort,” she said.

Called up on the eve of the semifinal against Australia, Shafali admitted that she was nervous initially but managed to focus on her plans in the final. “I kept telling myself to stay calm and execute my strategy. Once I settled in, everything started to fall into place,” she recalled.

The Haryana cricketer said she was overwhelmed by the warm reception she received upon her return home and used the occasion to inspire young girls. “Whatever field they choose, they should work hard and believe in themselves. The results will surely come,” she said.

Shafali credited her family’s constant support and mentioned that Sachin Tendulkar has always been her biggest inspiration. “My family stood by me during my lows. Without them, this would not have been possible,” she added.

On missing a century in the final, she said there was “no regret.” “Winning the World Cup for India was the only thing that mattered. Those seven hours on the field were for the country,” she said.

The champion batter also shared details of the team’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hosted the players and praised their resilience after they rebounded from three consecutive defeats in the group stage. “He spent almost two hours with us, motivating and congratulating everyone,” she said.

Shafali is now set to meet Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on November 12. State minister Krishan Kumar Bedi, who felicitated her on arrival, hailed her as “a symbol of pride for the state and the nation.”