Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Shafali Verma's Batting Evolution Strengthens India's Women's Cricket Team
Shafali Verma is an important batter for India’s women’s cricket team.
She is known for hitting the ball powerfully.
Recently, she has also learned to use timing and placement more often.
This means she is not relying only on big shots.
She has also improved her cut shots.
Her strong performances began during last year’s Women’s ODI World Cup.
She has since scored important runs in the Asia Cup and Asian Games.
A former selector thinks she could captain India someday, but believes she needs more time before taking that job.
Former national selector Lopamudra Banerjee says Shafali Verma has added timing and placement to her powerful batting.
Shafali’s breakthrough came during last year’s Women’s ODI World Cup after Pratika Rawal’s injury opened an opportunity.
She scored 87 and took two wickets in India’s final against South Africa Women in Navi Mumbai.
Shafali scored 188 runs in the Asian Games and made an unbeaten 100 in the semi-final against Bangladesh.
Banerjee believes Shafali could become India’s future captain but says she should play for at least two more years first.
- Who
- Shafali Verma, supported by former national selector Lopamudra Banerjee, is at the center of the report.
- What
- Shafali has developed a more mature batting style and strengthened her position in India’s women’s team.
- When
- The improvement has been especially noticeable since last year’s Women’s ODI World Cup, with further strong performances in the recent Asia Cup and ongoing Asian Games.
- Where
- Her highlighted performances came in the Women’s ODI World Cup, the Asia Cup in Dubai, and the Asian Games, including a semi-final against Bangladesh.
- Why
- According to Banerjee, Shafali is becoming more effective by combining her power with timing, placement, and improved cut shots.
- Player
- Shafali Verma
- Former selector
- Lopamudra Banerjee
- Asian Games runs
- 188 runs, dismissed once
- Asian Games semi-final
- Unbeaten 100 from 49 balls against Bangladesh
- ODI World Cup final
- 87 runs and two wickets against South Africa Women
- Asia Cup performances
- 64 against Bangladesh and 68 against Sri Lanka
- Future leadership
- Banerjee considers Shafali a possible future captain but recommends waiting at least two years