Shefali Verma has been appointed as the vice-captain of the Indian women’s T20 cricket team, just ahead of their series against Zimbabwe.
Speaking at a press conference in Raipur, she emphasized that her responsibilities extend beyond just holding the title. The team aims to play fearless and strategic cricket in the upcoming Champions Trophy next year.
Under the captaincy of Smriti Mandhana, the Indian team will begin preparations for the tournament, which is set to take place in Mumbai and Vadodara in February 2027. The T20 series against Zimbabwe will kick off on Friday at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.
During the conference, Verma shared her insights on the vice-captaincy, saying, “Having captained at the Under-19 World Cup, I understand that this role is not merely a title but a significant responsibility. We need to ensure that every player is mentally prepared and comfortable.” She aims to create an environment where each player feels at ease and can support the captain effectively.
Verma also credited former captain Harmanpreet Kaur for advancing women’s cricket in India. “Harman has played a crucial role in elevating women’s cricket to its current stature. We have discussed how to further progress in this sport,” she noted. “Our primary goal is to play T20 cricket fearlessly and intelligently. We have held several meetings to ensure everyone knows their role, and you will see improvements in the team with each series.”
The Indian women’s cricket team is focused on building momentum as they approach the Champions Trophy, with Verma leading the charge in her new role.