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Shafali's Emotional Return: How Injury Call-Up Led to World Cup Glory

Shafali Verma described her return to the Indian team as incredibly emotional after spending a year out of the squad. She got the call-up when Pratika Rawal suffered an injury just before the semi-final against Australia. In the World Cup final against South Africa, Shafali delivered a match-winning performance with both bat and ball. She credited the pioneering women cricketers who helped create the golden era that made this historic victory possible.

Key Points: Shafali Verma on India World Cup Call-Up After Pratika Injury

  • Shafali replaced injured Pratika Rawal before semi-final against Australia
  • Scored crucial 87 runs in World Cup final against South Africa
  • Took 2-36 with ball to help secure India's first ODI title
  • Expressed gratitude for pioneers who kept women's cricket alive
2 min read

'Felt like God noticed my hard work,' says Shafali on her India callback after Pratika's injury in WC

Shafali Verma opens up about emotional India return after year-long absence, replacing injured Pratika Rawal and delivering match-winning World Cup final performance.

"I felt like God noticed my hard work - Shafali Verma"

New Delhi, Nov 12

India opener Shafali Verma has described her return to the national set-up ahead of the semi-final against Australia in the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup as one of the most emotional moments of her career coming after spending a year on the sidelines, saying it "felt like god noticed my hard work."

Shafali, who replaced the injured Pratika Rawal just ahead of the semi-final against Australia, made only 10 runs in the clash which India eventually won by five wickets by chasing down a record 339.

But Shafali seized her opportunity with a match-winning performance in the final against South Africa. Opening the innings alongside Smriti Mandhana, she smashed 87 off 78 balls to help India post a formidable 298 and then picked 2-36 with the ball to ensure the hosts' lifted their first-ever Women's ODI World Cup title.

"Getting selected for the semi-final was the happiest moment for me after being out of the team for a year. That time was very tough, but I kept working. When Pratika Rawal got injured and I got called in, I felt like God noticed my hard work. No one wants to replace a teammate due to injury, but I was grateful to get the chance to contribute," Shafali said on JioStar.

Shafali also reflected on the significance of lifting the ODI World Cup trophy at home and the legacy of the pioneers who paved the way for the sport to flourish in the country, before coming into public limelight.

"When we lifted the trophy at DY Patil Stadium, it felt like all our hard work paid off. The stadium atmosphere gave us extra energy. I want to thank Anjum Didi and all our seniors who kept women's cricket alive with their passion. We are living the golden era they helped create, and this trophy is as much theirs as it is ours," she added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Hard work always pays off! Shafali's journey is so inspiring for young cricketers across India. That 87 in the final was absolutely brilliant under pressure. The way she credited her seniors shows she has a great head on her shoulders.
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Michael C
As an Australian cricket fan, I have to say India deserved this win. Shafali's all-round performance in the final was exceptional. The way she bounced back after scoring only 10 in semis shows mental toughness. Congratulations to Team India!
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Ananya R
While I'm happy for Shafali, I feel bad for Pratika Rawal. She must be heartbroken to miss the final after helping the team reach semis. Hope she recovers soon and gets her chance again. Both are talented players who deserve opportunities.
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Vikram M
This World Cup win will change women's cricket in India forever! 🎉 The DY Patil Stadium atmosphere must have been electric. Shafali and Smriti's opening partnership in the final was pure class. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Sarah B
What I love about this story is how Shafali acknowledged the pioneers of women's cricket. Often we forget the struggles of earlier generations. This victory belongs to every woman who ever picked up a cricket bat in India against all odds.

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