India vice-captain Shafali Verma said the team aims to combine an aggressive approach with intelligent decision-making ahead of the first-ever ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in India next February.
She added that the side intends to focus on one series at a time as it prepares for the tournament on home turf.
What milestone marks the start of the series against Zimbabwe?
Ahead of the T20I contest against Zimbabwe followed by an ODI series, the aggressive opener stressed that India are working towards steady improvement while maintaining a clear game plan. Friday’s opening match will also mark the beginning of Smriti Mandhana’s tenure as India’s permanent captain across all formats following Harmanpreet Kaur’s resignation just days after the team clinched gold at the Asian Games.
How does Shafali Verma describe the brand of cricket India plan to play?
‘We have spoken about it, that in this series we have to play a fearless brand of cricket with smartness till the Champions Trophy,’ Shafali told reporters ahead of the series opener in Raipur, as quoted by ICC.
How is the team preparing for series-by-series growth?
‘We have done a lot of meetings, so everyone knows what to do. We are just trying to keep growing series by series,’ he added.
Who are the key figures leading India in this new era?
India are set to enter a fresh phase under a new captain after Harmanpreet Kaur relinquished the leadership role. Smriti Mandhana has been appointed skipper across formats while Shafali Verma will assist her as T20I vice captain and Deepti Sharma will serve as deputy in the 50-over format.
What did Shafali Verma say about Harmanpreet Kaur’s legacy and her own bowling role?
Paying tribute to Harmanpreet Kaur’s impact on the game, Shafali said, ‘Harman provided a lot of growth to women’s cricket and the way it has shaped, it is all because of her.’ The dynamic batter also spoke about her development as a bowling option, revealing that she has been consistently bowling for Haryana in domestic cricket since 2021.
How has Shafali Verma prepared herself to bowl for India?
‘I have been bowling for Haryana since 2021, so it is not new to me. I used to think that if I have to bowl for India one day – how should I prepare myself for it, and mentally I have been ahead only,’ she said.
How is India managing in the absence of injured Jemimah Rodrigues?
Speaking about middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues, who remains sidelined while recovering from an injury, Shafali backed the squad’s ability to cope with her absence.
Which players are stepping up during Jemimah Rodrigues’ absence?
‘Jemi is on the road to recovery, but we did not miss her too much during the Asia Cup and the Asian Games. Richa Ghosh and Harman performed well, and Niki Prasad has joined the squad now. Hopefully, she will make the most of her opportunity, and we will continue to give different players a chance,’ Shafali said.