Shafali Verma is preparing for a new phase of her international career as India begin their three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe on October 16. The newly appointed vice-captain has emphasised the importance of consistency, physical fitness and mental development while outlining her approach to leadership and India’s attacking style of cricket.
Speaking at Thursday’s pre-match press conference, Shafali reflected on her return to the national side, the improvements she made during her time away and the responsibilities she will share with new T20I captain Smriti Mandhana.
Shafali Verma Reflects on Comeback and Personal Development
Shafali returned to India’s squad during the ODI World Cup after an injury to Pratika Rawal created an opportunity. She was representing Haryana in domestic cricket when she received the call-up.
Before her return, the opening batter had spent an extended period assessing her performances and identifying areas that required improvement.
“When I got out of the team, I sat down and analysed myself which things I have to work on. First of all, consistency, fitness towards my body and mentally I have to grow more,” Shafali said.
The 2025 season became an important period of preparation for Shafali, who concentrated on developing those three aspects of her game.
She believes the work completed during that time has contributed to her improved consistency since returning to international cricket.
“I worked a lot on myself in 2025. I did everything side by side, as I said earlier as well. I think that hard work which I did in 2025, it gave me lots of help right now,” she said.
Shafali Explains Her Development as a Bowler
Alongside her batting, Shafali has gradually expanded her involvement with the ball.
The Indian opener revealed that she has been bowling for Haryana since 2021 and had been preparing herself for the possibility of taking on a similar responsibility at international level.
“When I used to bowl for Haryana, I used to think that someday I will have to bowl for India,” she said. “I used to mentally prepare myself at that time that if I get to bowl for the Indian team, then how should I prepare.”
Her preparation began well before she received the opportunity to contribute as a bowler for India, reflecting her efforts to develop different aspects of her game.
Vice-Captaincy Brings Greater Responsibility
Shafali will now serve as India’s T20I vice-captain alongside Smriti Mandhana, who has taken over the captaincy.
Having previously gained leadership experience at the Under-19 World Cup, Shafali understands that her new position involves more than simply holding an official designation.
“I know vice-captaincy is not just a title. It’s a big responsibility,” Shafali said.
She explained that supporting her teammates and maintaining a comfortable environment within the squad would be central to her responsibilities.
“We have to just take care of each and every player and make them in a very good headspace. So, I am just trying to make every player very comfortable and just help the captain,” she added. “First of all, we have to play fearless brand of cricket in T20 with the smartness as well.”
Shafali’s comments also outlined India’s intended approach to T20 cricket, combining positive, fearless batting with careful decision-making.
Match Scenarios Form Key Part of Shafali’s Training
Shafali has also been working on adapting her batting to different situations rather than depending entirely on aggressive strokeplay.
During practice sessions, she deliberately creates scenarios that require alternative scoring methods, particularly when her usual boundary-hitting options are not producing the desired results.
“If in the net session, my hitting is not good one day, six hitting is not good, then how do I play along the ground? So, I put myself in a situation in every net session,” she explained. “I have worked on those things and I can see a very good reflection. So, I have to just keep doing the hard work,” Shafali said.
Those adjustments have coincided with an encouraging period of performances. However, the opener remains focused on contributing to India’s results rather than concentrating solely on personal achievements.
“I am really happy and just trying to work hard day by day and just trying to win more trophies for my team and score more in big matches,” she said.
Shafali also spoke positively about India’s preparations and recalled her previous experience of playing in Chhattisgarh.
“We have had two-three practice sessions, so we are feeling very good. And I have come here before to play challenges. “I had made my first state debut here (Chattisgarh), for seniors. So, I know they are doing great things.”
India Assess Middle-Order Options Without Jemimah Rodrigues
India will be without Jemimah Rodrigues for the Zimbabwe series as she continues recovering from an injury.
Despite her absence, Shafali expressed confidence in the team’s available batting options, particularly in the middle order.
She highlighted the contributions of Richa Ghosh and Harmanpreet Kaur while expressing hope that Niki Prasad would also make a positive impact.
“The way Richa played and the way Harman di played, and now Niki came, hopefully, she will also do well in the middle,” Shafali said.
India will begin the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe in Raipur on October 16. The remaining matches are scheduled for October 18 and 20.
Following the T20I fixtures, the two teams will contest a three-match ODI series in Vadodara.
