said that her improvement with the ball is the result of focused practice and visualisation, transforming her into a genuine all-rounder capable for Team India.
“It’s not like that I have never bowled before,” Shafali, who claimed two crucial wickets in the , told reporters on the eve of their T20 World Cup match against Bangladesh.
“Whenever I played domestic cricket for Haryana and even when I was captain, I always gave myself time to think about how I would execute if I got a chance to bowl for India.” she said.
“I have visualised those situations. If I am bowling in a particular match situation, what do I need to think about? It’s not like I am bowling just like that. I have prepared for it and worked hard on it. That’s why I am able to execute well,” she added.
Shafali Verma says she ‘enjoys’ the pressure
Shalafi Verma further added that she is enjoying the added pressure with the ball during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
“As a player, whatever the situation and whatever the team needs, I always put my hand up. I want to get the team out of difficult situations and help win matches. So I would say I am an all-rounder now,” she said.
The 22-year-old attributed her initial bowling development to her father, who made her practice it during her formative years despite her focus on batting.
“My brother was a leg-spinner, so sometimes my father would tell me to bowl as well if I got a chance. Now he says, ‘Thank God you bowled at that time because you are bowling well today,” she said.
against South Africa has reduced their safety margin, with the team now needing to win the final two group games to seal a semifinal berth. Shafali noted that the squad is determined to look past the previous defeat and will maintain a single-game focus.
“When we go through bad days, the morale of the players will be down. But the next day, we all know that we have to come together and motivate each other,” Shafali concluded.