Key Points

India's head coach Amol Muzumdar has backed Shafali Verma for the upcoming ODI World Cup, citing her explosive T20I form. Verma was the second-highest run-scorer in the England series, including a blistering 75 off 41 balls. Muzumdar also praised Pratika Rawal's impact in ODIs, emphasizing India's strong batting depth. The ODI World Cup begins in September, with India looking to build a formidable squad.

Key Points: Amol Muzumdar Backs Shafali Verma for ODI World Cup Spot

  • Shafali Verma scored 176 runs in T20Is vs England
  • Coach Muzumdar highlights India's batting depth
  • Pratika Rawal impresses with 63.80 ODI average
  • India Women prepare for ODI World Cup at home
2 min read

There's no doubt that she will be in the mix: Amol Muzumdar on Shafali Verma's ODI World Cup contention

India's head coach Amol Muzumdar confirms Shafali Verma is in contention for the ODI World Cup after her strong T20I performances.

"There's no doubt that she will be in the mix. She will be amongst the core group of India. – Amol Muzumdar"

New Delhi, July 13

India Women's head coach Amol Muzumdar reflected on Indian opener Shafali Verma and said she is "without a doubt" in contention for the ODI World Cup at home starting from September 30,

Dropped after India's group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup last year, Shafali was recalled for the T20I series against England, which India won 3-2.

Verma slammed 176 runs at an average of 35.20 and a strike rate of 158.55, including scores of 20, 3, 47 and 31 and a 41-ball 75.

"I think there's a lot of depth in this Indian line-up, a good headache to have as a coaching staff. And Shafali has been a terrific player. There's no doubt that she will be in the mix. She will be amongst the core group of India. There's no doubt in my mind about it. But at the moment, Pratika has joined the squad probably four or five days prior to the ODI. The depth is stronger, it's getting stronger," Amol Muzumdar said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

Shafali is not part of the ODI series that will start in Southampton on Wednesday, against England.

Shafali scored 75 off 41 balls in the fifth T20I to finish the series as the second-highest run-scorer behind Smriti Mandhana.

Muzumdar felt it shows that India has got a lot of depth now in batting and praised Pratika Rawal, who has been opening the innings alongside Mandhana in ODIs.

"It just shows that we've got a lot of depth now in this India squad," Muzumdar said. "Pratika Rawal, she was drafted in the month of December, so it's almost six months, but she has left a mark, a big mark in her initial stage in her international career.

Rawal averages 63.80 from 11 ODIs since making her debut at home against West Indies in December. She has slammed 638 runs, including a highest score of 154, at home against Ireland and five half-centuries.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As much as I love Shafali's aggression, we must remember ODI cricket requires more patience. Pratika has shown remarkable consistency. Maybe rotating both players based on conditions would be ideal.
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Aditya G
Our women's team is looking stronger than ever! 🇮🇳 Having multiple options for each position is a luxury we never had before. Kudos to the selectors and coaching staff for building this depth.
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Sarah B
Shafali's strike rate is incredible, but I worry about her consistency. In World Cups, we need players who can anchor innings too. Maybe she should bat lower down the order in ODIs?
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Kavya N
The real winner here is Indian women's cricket! So many talented players emerging. Remember when we just relied on 2-3 stars? Now we have genuine competition for places. What a time to be a fan! 💙
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Manish T
While Shafali is exciting, let's not put too much pressure on her. She's still young and learning. The coaching staff seems to be handling her development well by managing her workload.
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Nisha Z
Why can't we have both Shafali AND Pratika in the XI? Shafali can play the aggressor while Pratika holds one end

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