Latest news with #Shafali
India Gazette
8 hours ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Smriti Mandhana expresses happiness over Shafali's comeback ahead of 1st England T20I
Nottingham [UK], June 27 (ANI): Ahead of her side's first T20I against England in Nottingham, Indian vice-captain and opener Smriti Mandhana hailed opener Shafali Verma for going back to the domestic grind after being dropped and earning herself a comeback to the national side. The Indian women's team will kickstart their white-ball series against England at Nottingham, starting with the first of five T20Is at Nottingham on Saturday. This match will mark Shafali's return to Team India, who last donned the national colours on October 29 last year and was dropped due to poor form. Since then, Shafali has done a lot of hard work in domestic and franchise cricket circuit. She played 50-over domestic over competitions, captaining Haryana to quarterfinal finish in the Senior Women's One Day Trophy, topping the run-charts with 527 runs at an average of 75 and strike rate of over 152. Then she featured in a crucial Senior Women's One Day Challengers Trophy, earlier in January this year, she dominated the charts, as the Team A skipper, scoring 414 runs at an average of 82.80, with a strike rate of over 145, with a century and two fifties. Nobody scored at a higher pace in the competition and scored close to 200 runs than the next best, D Vrinda (217 runs). Then, coming to the Women's Premier League (WPL), while Delhi Capitals (DC) made a heartbreaking hat-trick of runners-up finishes, Shafali's form was a massive positive as she was team's top run-getter and fourth-overall, with 304 runs in nine innings at an average of 38.00 and a strike rate of over 152, with a half-century. As the road to the home 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup (from September 30) and 2026 Women's T20 World Cup starts, this series is a massive chance for Shafali to send a reminder to the selectors of why she should be the primary choice. In her absence, Pratika Rawal featured in 11 ODIs, scoring 638 runs at an average of 63.80 with a century and five fifties, at a strike rate of almost 90. Speaking ahead of the match in the pre-match presser, Smriti said, 'She has had an amazing year. After her setback, she went back to domestic and scored a bucketful of runs. She had a great WPL as well. No one had any doubts about her talent. The way she had come into the Indian team and dominated, she is a world-class player and always will be. For her to go back and do what she did was amazing to see. She deserves this comeback, and I am excited to open with her again.' India's T20I Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav India's ODI Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav. (ANI)
Mint
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Mint
Smriti Mandhana expresses happiness over Shafalis comeback ahead of 1st England T20I
Nottingham [UK], June 27 (ANI): Ahead of her side's first T20I against England in Nottingham, Indian vice-captain and opener Smriti Mandhana hailed opener Shafali Verma for going back to the domestic grind after being dropped and earning herself a comeback to the national side. The Indian women's team will kickstart their white-ball series against England at Nottingham, starting with the first of five T20Is at Nottingham on Saturday. This match will mark Shafali's return to Team India, who last donned the national colours on October 29 last year and was dropped due to poor form. Since then, Shafali has done a lot of hard work in domestic and franchise cricket circuit. She played 50-over domestic over competitions, captaining Haryana to quarterfinal finish in the Senior Women's One Day Trophy, topping the run-charts with 527 runs at an average of 75 and strike rate of over 152. Then she featured in a crucial Senior Women's One Day Challengers Trophy, earlier in January this year, she dominated the charts, as the Team A skipper, scoring 414 runs at an average of 82.80, with a strike rate of over 145, with a century and two fifties. Nobody scored at a higher pace in the competition and scored close to 200 runs than the next best, D Vrinda (217 runs). Then, coming to the Women's Premier League (WPL), while Delhi Capitals (DC) made a heartbreaking hat-trick of runners-up finishes, Shafali's form was a massive positive as she was team's top run-getter and fourth-overall, with 304 runs in nine innings at an average of 38.00 and a strike rate of over 152, with a half-century. As the road to the home 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup (from September 30) and 2026 Women's T20 World Cup starts, this series is a massive chance for Shafali to send a reminder to the selectors of why she should be the primary choice. In her absence, Pratika Rawal featured in 11 ODIs, scoring 638 runs at an average of 63.80 with a century and five fifties, at a strike rate of almost 90. Speaking ahead of the match in the pre-match presser, Smriti said, "She has had an amazing year. After her setback, she went back to domestic and scored a bucketful of runs. She had a great WPL as well. No one had any doubts about her talent. The way she had come into the Indian team and dominated, she is a world-class player and always will be. For her to go back and do what she did was amazing to see. She deserves this comeback, and I am excited to open with her again." India's T20I Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav India's ODI Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
‘Shafali should have been in the ODI team as well'
Chandigarh: Over a career spanning two decades, Jhulan Goswami established a legend whose absence Indian cricket is still struggling to fill. The lanky pacer from Kolkata was India's main pace bowler and led the bowling attack in 204 ODIs, 68 T20Is and 12 Tests. In this photograph taken on January 15, 2020, 16-year-old cricket player Shafali Verma trains at an indoor net inside a stadium in Rohtak in the northern Indian state of Haryana. - Shafali Verma once disguised herself as her brother to play in a cricket series, and went on to win "man of the match and series". Now the teen sensation wants to help win the women's Twenty20 World Cup for India. (Photo by Money SHARMA / AFP) / TO GO WITH Cricket-IND-Shafali by Faisal KAMAL (AFP) Since her retirement, Jhulan has been associated with Cricket Association of Bengal working for women's cricket and also as a mentor at Mumbai Indians team in Women's T20 Premier League (WPL). Ahead of the India tour of England, where they are scheduled to play a T20I and ODI series, the 42-year-old speaks about how the fielding needs to pick up, why Shafali Verma would have made a difference to the ODI team and the impact of Harmanpreet Kaur's captaincy. With opener Shafali Verma making a comeback in the India T20 team, how crucial will this be for her and the team? Shafali has done well for her state Haryana and also for Delhi Capitals and her call-up to the Indian team is well deserved. I am sure she was hungry to make this comeback and leave a mark. Her strokeful batting not only helped her make an impact but will also help India get good starts. She has been great at the top with Smriti for India in the past and her good form will elevate India's chances in the T20I series. She has played in England before and done well. I am sure she will adjust well to the conditions. Wouldn't it be right to include Shafali in the ODI team as well may be against Australia at home ahead of the World Cup? Definitely, when she made her India debut at 15, she surprised everyone with her talent. Hitting established bowlers out of the ground with ease. And she has regained her form to earn the call-up. But I feel she should have been in the ODI team as well against England. She has that X-factor and should have been there in the India ODI team as well. She is an impactful player whose innings in any format can change the course of the match. With Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Thakur and Kashvee Gautam missing out, will the lack of experience hurt India? It is unfortunate that some quick bowlers are injured for the series in England and doing their rehab. England have some quality and experienced batters in their team. Renuka has done well in England before and her missing out is a huge loss for India. At the same time, it is a great chance for the youngsters to grab the chance. Amanjot has progressed well since her comeback in the Indian team with her bowling. So what would be India's strength in English conditions? Indian batting looks rock solid and having batters like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues along with Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma is great. They need to take more responsibility and play a key role in India's success against the hosts. Since you have left, no medium-pacer has made a lasting impact... It is not that since I quit the game quality medium-pacers have not surfaced. Unfortunately, injuries have put them down and they have taken a long time to recover. I think these days it is very easy to plan one's cricket routine as cricket calendars are now available. Bowlers can plan accordingly and be very professional about the process. They need to prepare well for big matches or series and give priority to fitness. India has had issues in catching and ground fielding in recent years. How can this be dealt with? I believe Indian fielding has improved in recent years. Fielders like Radha Yadav and Jemimah are perfect examples of sharp fielders. But, yes, they need to put in more effort and make it top-notch if they consistently want to win against teams like Australia, England or even South Africa. It is relatively a young team and they should put more effort into mastering catching and fielding. You have seen Harmanpreet Kaur closely since she made her debut and also at the Mumbai Indians dressing room in the WPL. How would you rate her as a captain and a batter? She has been a great leader and inspiring too. I have seen young players coming up to her and seek her advice about their game. MI winning two WPL titles says it all for her captaincy as well as her batting swagger. Her innings 171* against Australia way back in 2017 was a great one but such knocks do not happen often. I feel she might not have recreated a similar amount of hysteria but she has won many matches for India and I know how passionate she is about winning matches for the country. I think the fact that India has not won any ICC trophy under her captaincy mostly leads to this debate. Her work ethic is phenomenal and we need to back her to win ICC trophies.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Have matured as a player, value my wicket more: Shafali Verma
Chandigarh: For Shafali Verma, life has come full-circle. Six years ago, the 15-year-old Rohtak batter broke Sachin Tendulkar's record becoming the youngest Indian to score a half-century in international cricket. A blazing start to the career, dominating world-class bowlers, captaining India to a maiden ICC U-19 World Cup, Shafali was all geared up to build on it when a form dip saw her dropped and return to domestic cricket. Shafali Verma. (PTI) Shafali has returned to the T20I squad – she last played for India in October – after her show in the Women's Premier League (WPL) where she was the fourth highest run-getter playing for Delhi Capitals. Though not in the ODI squad for the England tour starting on June 28, the 21-year-old is keen to make it count in the T20Is, as she says in this chat. Excerpts How does it feel to come back into the India T20I team for the five-match series against England? It feels great and there is a sense of relief too. I worked really hard for this. The coaches and the senior players, including captain Harry didi (Harmanpreet Kaur), have been supportive and backed me. I have played in England before and enjoyed playing on those pitches. England is a strong team with top cricketers. We are a well-prepared side and the contests should be thrilling. I'm looking to make the most of the opportunity. Though T20 is the shortest format, I'm looking to play maximum overs in each game and leave an impact. Since your India debut at 15, how has your batting style changed? How have you learnt to overcome disappointments? At the start, I was carefree and hit every ball I faced. I enjoyed dominating the bowlers, going for big shots. I have matured as a cricketer and value my wicket more. I want to contribute in every game so that my team benefits. I won't say my style has changed much, but yes, I will be defensive too and give respect to good bowlers, England have good bowlers like Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone. So, I won't just throw my wicket. In a sport there will be ups and downs. I too have faced failures and disappointments but I have learnt from them. Hard work and passion to play for India has kept me going. How has Women's Premier League, playing for Delhi Capitals, helped you in the last three seasons? The beautiful thing about WPL is that we are able to share the dressing room with the best in the sport. This definitely helps hone your skills. DC captain Meg Lanning has been instrumental in making me a better cricketer, not only skill-wise but mentally as well. All three seasons have made me better and all credit goes to Meg. I learnt a lot from her – how an ideal captain should be. When I captain any side, I try to pick on those qualities and also be there for my team mates. You made your India debut at 15, dominated as an attacking opener, captained India to the U-19 World Cup win, and then were dropped last October. How would you describe your journey? Getting to represent your country is a dream come true. I was just playing my brand of cricket, not thinking if I was making an impact with my abilities or not. It was wonderful to hit big shots and help India win matches. Winning the U-19 World Cup was another dream come true experience. Being dropped from the team was heart-breaking but I had a great support system that pushed me and backed me to score in domestic matches along with WPL performances. My international cricket journey started when I was a schoolgirl. I have fought through disappointments and turned them into rewards with hard work. I now look forward to playing big knocks for India and showing my positive intent. How were your last few days at the National Cricket Academy with the team? It was a skill-based camp. I have waited for my comeback. It was great working with the trainers and coaches. I worked really hard on my fitness. At international level, fitness has to be top-notch and I realise that. It was wonderful to be back with the team mates and get into the groove. India co-host the ODI Women's World Cup with Sri Lanka in September-October. Pratika Rawal has taken your opener's spot in the team. How do you see your chances for the World Cup? It is a matter of pride that India is hosting. I'm sure India will do well, make use of home advantage. At the moment my job is to do well in the T20Is in England. I hope to leave an impression and then it is left to the selectors. Did you enjoy playing for Haryana and other teams in domestic cricket while away from the Indian team? I take huge pride in playing for Haryana. I was down losing my place in the India team but knew I had to do well for Haryana, score runs and show my captaincy skills as well. I got time to work on my mental strength also. I could spend time with friends and family which recharged me.
Hans India
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Radha Yadav to replace injured Shuchi in India's squad for England series
Mumbai: All-rounder Radha Yadav will replace injured Shuchi Upadhyay in India's squad for the upcoming white-ball tour of England, starting later this month. India will play five T20Is and three ODIs against England, who have a new captain and head coach in Nat Sciver-Brunt and Charlotte Edwards respectively. "The Women's Selection Committee has named Radha Yadav as a replacement for Shuchi Upadhyay in Team India's squads for the England tour," the BCCI said in a statement. "Shuchi was ruled out of the tour after sustaining a left shin injury, which was diagnosed during the pre-tour camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru," it added. Shuchi was among the three newcomers along with Sree Charani and Kranti Goud to be named in the T20I side. She made her ODI debut against South Africa in the Women's Tri-Series last month which remains her only match in India colours. India's squad announcement for the tour was headlined by Shafali Verma who made her comeback into India's T20I team. Though Shafali was only named for the T20I leg of the tour, pacer Sayali Satghare made it to both squads, adding some heft to India's fast bowling stocks, depleted due to Renuka Singh Thakur and Titas Sadhu's injuries. Shafali had been out of the national set-up after last year's T20 World Cup in the UAE, where India failed to enter the semi-finals. After strong showings in the domestic 20-over and 50-over matches, Shafali amassed 304 runs from nine innings with a strike rate of 152.76 for Delhi Capitals (DC) in WPL 2025 and finished in fourth place in the run-scorers charts. That strong showing in this year's WPL has propelled the Neetu David-led selection committee to bring back Shafali into the shortest format scheme of things. For the ODIs, barring Sayali's addition, the selectors retained the side which won the recent tri-series in Sri Lanka, which featured South Africa as the third team. The three ODIs against England provide ample chances for India to fine-tune their combinations ahead of this year's ODI World Cup, to be held on their home soil in September-October. India's five T20Is against England will be held at Trent Bridge, Bristol County Ground, The Oval, Old Trafford and Edgbaston from June 28 to July 12. The three ODIs between the two teams are slated to take place in Southampton, Lord's and Chester-le-Street from July 16-22. India's updated T20I squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav. India's updated ODI squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav.
