It wouldn’t be surprising if Shafali Verma chose to get a “God’s Plan” tattoo, as her recent journey in cricket truly feels guided by fate.
Shafali, often called “destiny’s child,” rejoined the Indian women’s ODI team under unforeseen circumstances, yet she etched her name into their triumphant World Cup campaign. Her path, much like “God’s Plan,” unfolded in remarkable and unexpected ways.
Just months earlier, on a rainy August day in Mumbai, former chief selector Neetu David had announced Shafali’s exclusion from India’s World Cup squad, despite her participation in five previous multi-format events. David had then hinted that the 21-year-old would get her opportunity to play for India at a later date.
While Shafali’s performances had been inconsistent, her spot in the ODI team was primarily taken by the impressive rise of Pratika Rawal, leading selectors to defer any decisions about Verma’s immediate future.
However, fate intervened when an unfortunate injury sidelined the in-form opener Pratika. This sudden turn of events prompted India to recall Shafali, who was then playing for Haryana in the Senior Women’s T20 Tournament in Surat, to join the national squad for the World Cup semifinal against Australia.
With no time to lose, Shafali immediately immersed herself in two rigorous one-hour batting sessions at the DY Patil Stadium and its University Ground in preparation for the crucial semifinal.
“What happened to Pratika was truly unfortunate; no athlete wishes an injury upon another. But I believe God sent me here to contribute something positive,” Shafali shared with the media before the semifinal.
Though her initial comeback against Australia saw her manage just 10 runs off five balls (including two fours), it was in the World Cup final that Shafali truly shone, delivering a performance worthy of a seasoned veteran.
Her brilliant knock of 87, featuring spectacular shots and smart strike rotation, laid a solid foundation for India. Despite her efforts, the team posted a slightly under-par total of 298/7, aiming for a larger target.
What was truly remarkable was that few outside the immediate playing group knew Shafali, who had bowled only five overs in her previous 30 ODIs, was also prepared to contribute as the team’s sixth bowling option.
Captain Harmanpreet later revealed, “When Shafali joined us, we were lacking the overs Pratika used to provide. Knowing her extensive bowling in domestic cricket, my coach and I approached her. She confidently declared, ‘I’m ready for even 10 overs!’ Her self-assurance was truly inspiring.”
Harmanpreet recounted her decision during a crucial 52-run partnership between Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus: “Mid-game, I had a sudden gut feeling to give Shafali a chance to bowl. I didn’t want to regret not trying something new later. They were batting well, and when I gave her the ball, she delivered back-to-back breakthroughs. That moment completely shifted the game in our favor.”
Head coach Amol Muzumdar confirmed he had been closely monitoring Shafali’s performance in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, noting her consistent bowling. This observation ultimately helped the team resolve their need for a reliable sixth bowling option.
Muzumdar elaborated, “Upon her arrival, we were already aware of her bowling capabilities from domestic cricket. I specifically asked her about it and tracked her progress, seeing her consistently bowl all four overs in T20 matches. She was bowling every single game.”
He continued, “We understood that a sixth bowler would likely only be needed for 4-5 overs. If Shafali could consistently deliver that, she would comfortably fill the role of our sixth or seventh bowling option.”
However, Muzumdar stressed that the pivotal decision to introduce her as a bowler during the match was entirely Harmanpreet’s.
Whether Shafali can cement her place in the team or will eventually make way for Pratika, who shares a strong opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana, remains to be seen. For now, however, the 21-year-old is undeniably back in the thick of the action and thriving.