Shafali Verma has enjoyed a breakthrough ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with the bat but her off-the-field impact has not been lost on captain ...
Shafali Verma has enjoyed a breakthrough ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with the bat but her off-the-field impact has not been lost on captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
Verma has scored 161 runs at a stunning strike rate of 161 in Australia, setting the tone for India’s four Group A victories with fearless batting despite being in her first global tournament.
But ahead of Thursday’s semi-final showdown with England at the SCG, her captain acknowledged what the fresh-faced 16-year-old has offered India behind the scenes.
“She’s very naughty, gets so much happiness and positivity to the team, always wants to enjoy it,” said Kaur on Verma, who was on Wednesday named as the top-ranked batter in the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings.
“And when batting with her she’s motivating you and releasing pressure, that kind of player you need in your team. She’s enjoying the moment. Whoever is playing, wants to play for the country and give their best.
“Now this team has been together for a long time, we learn a lot from each other, learn a lot of cricket. It makes it easier for players such as Shafali because when anybody enters the team, they see everyone is working together. They also feel nice and try to do what others are doing.
“Right now, what we...
