Indian women's cricket team opener Shafali Verma has shed light on a unique team strategy under head coach Amol Muzumdar, where every batter is preparing to contribute with the ball. This approach came to the fore after her blistering innings secured a commanding seven-wicket victory for India in the second T20I against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday, December 24.
A Strategic Shift: Batters Turning Bowlers
Following her match-winning knock, Shafali explained the team's evolving mindset. "Amol sir always tells the team that anyone can bowl and everyone should be ready, and we all keep bowling in the nets," she stated. The 21-year-old emphasized that this preparation is crucial for unpredictable match situations, ensuring the team has multiple options.
She revealed that even senior players like Smriti Mandhana and fellow batter Jemimah Rodrigues are actively bowling during net sessions. "We prepare for that, we all are very keen to bowl... Cricket is a different game. You never know when the team will need you. So we all have to be ready for that," Shafali added, highlighting the squad's commitment to becoming versatile cricketers.
Record-Breaking Knock and World Cup Focus
Shafali's unbeaten 69 runs off just 34 balls is now her career-best score in Women's T20 Internationals on home soil. This marked her fifth half-century in India and her 12th overall in the format, further solidifying her position as a powerhouse at the top of the order. Her efforts propelled India to chase down Sri Lanka's target of 129 with ease, giving the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled for next summer in the UK, Shafali confirmed the team is leaving no stone unturned. Acknowledging recent fielding lapses, she said, "Everyone is very keen to work hard... We are paying attention to every small detail." She expressed confidence that the fielding standards are improving daily as the squad intensifies its preparations for the global tournament.
Team Morale and Young Talent
The young opener also expressed joy for debutant left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma, who claimed her maiden international wicket in the match. "She is bowling so well and looks very confident," Shafali remarked, underscoring the positive environment within the team.
Reflecting on her own approach during the chase, Shafali described a calculated innings. "In the beginning, the ball was holding up, so I was trying to get a couple of singles at the start. After that, the ball started coming on to the bat and was in my range," she explained. This adaptability, combined with the team's new all-rounder philosophy, signals a robust and multi-dimensional approach from the Indian women's team as they build momentum for future challenges.
