How did Shefali Verma become a cricketer? (Photo- GETTY)
The final of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 will be written in golden letters in the history of Indian cricket. Team India’s young sensation Shefali Verma became the brightest star in this historic match. He not only played an explosive inning of 87 runs with the bat, but also changed the direction of the match by taking 2 important wickets with the ball. His all-round performance became the basis of India’s victory, which defeated South Africa by 52 runs. This achievement of Shefali seems no less than a film script, because her cricket journey started with very ordinary and challenging circumstances.
How did Shefali Verma become a cricketer?
Shefali was born in a middle class family in Rohtak, Haryana. She had come to watch the Ranji match at Chaudhary Bansi Lal Stadium in the year 2013. As soon as he saw the God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, the desire to become a cricketer arose in his heart and it was from here that his journey to become a cricketer started. After returning home, he expressed his wish to his father Sanjeev Verma. Sanjeev, who ran a small jewelery shop, did not break his daughter’s courage despite the family’s financial crisis. After cutting down household expenses, he ordered a cricket kit for Shefali and arranged for coaching.
Faced many challenges for practice
There were no less challenges for Shefali Verma during practice days. The gloves would tear, the bat would break, but Shefali never asked for new stuff. She remained on the field by combining old equipment. At that time, girls in Rohtak were less interested in cricket, so the father adopted a unique method. Shefali got her hair cut short and was included in the boys’ team, so that she could practice without any problem. Today the same little girl has emerged as the match winner of the World Cup, who not only won the trophy but also made the entire match memorable with her role.
Her parents Sanjeev Verma and Praveenbala are proud of Shefali’s success. He is repeatedly expressing his gratitude to BCCI, countrymen and God. He says that no matter how much he had to struggle, he did not let any problems arise for Shefali. Due to which Shefali kept working hard and due to this hard work, today she has made her parents proud in the entire country. He wants that no matter who has a daughter, she is no less. During the entire innings of Shefali, father Sanjeev Verma was seen chanting God with folded hands. Now he is waiting for Shefali to return and welcome her.
Suddenly got a place in the team
Let us tell you, Shefali Verma was not a part of Team India at the beginning of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. He was not included in the squad. But after Pratika Rawal was out due to injury before the semi-final match, she entered the team. Shefali Verma took full advantage of this opportunity and created history by giving a memorable performance in the final.
(Report – Deepak Bhardwaj, Rohtak)