Shafali Verma: India's Young Cricket Sensation and Record-Breaker

Shafali Verma (born January 28, 2004) is a dynamic Indian cricketer who represents the Indian women's national cricket team. At just 15 years old, she became the youngest player to debut in a Women's Twenty20 International (T20I) for India. In June 2021, she made history as the youngest cricketer—male or female—to represent India in all three formats of international cricket. By October 8, 2022, she became the youngest cricketer to reach 1,000 runs in T20 Internationals. Under her captaincy, India clinched the 2023 Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup, further solidifying her place as a rising star in Indian women's cricket.

Shafali Verma celebrates scoring the fastest women's

Test double century, showcasing her aggressive batting

 style and record-breaking performance. @Getty

Early Life and Passion for Cricket

Shafali Verma was born in Rohtak, Haryana, to Sanjeev Verma and Parveen Bala. She grew up in a cricket-loving family, with her older brother Sahil and younger sister Nancy also playing the sport. Her father, a devoted cricket enthusiast who couldn't pursue the game professionally due to family pressures, owns a small jewelry shop.

Verma’s cricket journey began at the age of eight. Her father and brother, who is a leg spinner, would take her to local practice nets, where she developed her aggressive batting style. Speaking about her early training, she told Hindustan Times in 2019:

"Both would bowl for long hours, and I would hit the ball hard. That’s where I learned this rule – if the ball is there to be hit, it should be hit hard."

Inspired by Sachin Tendulkar

Shafali grew up idolizing cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Her father, an ardent fan of Tendulkar, often watched the maestro’s innings with her and her brother. In late 2013, she had the opportunity to witness Tendulkar’s final domestic match at the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium in Lahli, near Rohtak. Watching her idol play live reinforced her dream of becoming a cricketer.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Sport

Despite her passion and talent, Shafali faced significant challenges in finding a cricket academy willing to train a girl. When all academies in Rohtak refused her admission, her father devised a plan—he had her cut her hair short and disguise herself as her brother. This strategy worked, and she was enrolled as a "boy" at Shree Ram Narain Cricket Academy.

Recalling his nervousness about the disguise, her father later told The Times of India:

"At the age of nine, all children look the same. I was worried someone would notice, but no one did."

Her first coach, Ashwani Kumar, who runs the academy and is a former Haryana first-class cricketer, was immediately impressed. He recalled:

"When she first came to me as a little kid, I taught her the basic stance. Within days, she was hitting big shots. She started training with girls four years older, and within six months, she was practicing with the Under-14 boys."

Overcoming Challenges and Proving Critics Wrong

Despite excelling in training, Verma faced societal skepticism. Neighbors and relatives mocked her for playing a sport traditionally dominated by boys. However, she remained undeterred and told her father that one day, they would chant her name instead.

She also faced restrictions in playing male-only tournaments. Organizers worried about her safety, believing she might get injured. Determined to prove herself, she once again disguised herself as her brother when he fell ill and played in an Under-12 tournament, eventually winning the Player of the Tournament award.

Playing against boys was a tough experience, as she often faced fast-paced deliveries that struck her helmet. However, she remained fearless, determined to refine her technique and prove her worth.

School and Education

A turning point came when she joined St. Paul School, Rohtak, where Principal Kalvinder Sidhu recognized her passion and urged the school coach to start a girls’ cricket academy. Academically, Verma struggled, failing her Class X exams. She later moved to Mandeep Senior Secondary School, managed by the same administration, where she hoped to reattempt her exams while continuing her cricketing career.

The Rise of a Cricketing Star

From cutting her hair to join a boys’ academy to captaining India’s Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup-winning team, Shafali Verma’s journey is an inspiring tale of resilience and determination. Her aggressive batting, fearless attitude, and record-breaking feats continue to inspire the next generation of female cricketers in India.

As she continues to shine on the global stage, fans eagerly anticipate more breathtaking performances from this cricketing prodigy. Keep following her journey as she aims to break more records and take Indian women's cricket to new heights.

Record-Breaking Career: A Trailblazer in Women's Cricket

Early Career and Rise to Stardom

Before making her international debut, Shafali Verma showcased her immense talent while playing for Velocity in the Women's T20 Challenge, scoring 34 runs off 31 balls. Her fearless approach caught the attention of selectors, earning her a spot in India's Women's Twenty20 International (WT20I) squad for the 2019 series against South Africa.

On September 24, 2019, at just 15 years old, Verma made history as the youngest player to represent India in a T20I match. She quickly proved her mettle, and in November 2019, she became the youngest half-centurion for India in international cricket during a series against the West Indies. Scoring 158 runs in five matches, she was named the Player of the Series, solidifying her reputation as a rising star.

Shafali Verma celebrates her record-breaking double century

in women's Test cricket, showcasing her aggressive batting

style with powerful strokes and six-hitting ability.

Breakthrough in Global Cricket

In January 2020, Verma was named in India’s squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in Australia, where she was ranked as the No. 1 batter in women's T20I cricket. Her explosive batting style made her a key player in the tournament, and she was also awarded a central contract by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Her consistent performances earned her a place in India’s Test and Women's One Day International (WODI) squads for the 2021 England tour. On June 16, 2021, she made her Test debut against England, scoring a brilliant 96 runs in her first innings. The match ended in a draw, and Verma was named the Player of the Match for her outstanding total of 159 runs across both innings. Shortly after, she made her WODI debut on June 27, 2021, against England.

Shafali Verma’s Exploits in International and Franchise Cricket

• England Tour 2021: Verma was instrumental in India's Test match against England, scoring 96 in the first innings and 63 in the second. She played a crucial role in the ODI and T20I series, finishing as the highest Test scorer for the series.
• The Hundred & WBBL 2021: She was signed by Birmingham Phoenix for the inaugural season of The Hundred and later joined Sydney Sixers in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), where she scored her maiden fifty against Hobart Hurricanes.
• 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup: Verma was a part of India’s squad for the tournament in New Zealand, continuing to make an impact on the global stage.
• 2022 Commonwealth Games: She represented India at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, helping the team secure a silver medal.

Women’s Premier League & Recent Achievements

In the historic 2023 Women’s Premier League (WPL) Auction, Verma was acquired by Delhi Capitals for a whopping ₹2 crore. She made an immediate impact, scoring a blistering 84 off 45 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore in her debut match.

In July 2024, Verma once again proved her prowess in a one-off Test against South Africa, scoring a record-breaking 205 off 197 balls. Her remarkable opening partnership of 292 runs further cemented her status as one of India’s finest young cricketers.

Future Prospects and Upcoming Tournaments

Shafali Verma continues to be a key player for India in major tournaments. She was named in India’s squad for the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the home ODI series against New Zealand in October 2024. As she continues to evolve as a cricketer, fans eagerly await more record-breaking performances from this batting prodigy.

Fastest Women's Test Double Century & Evolution as a Cricketer

Shafali Verma Creates History with Record-Breaking Double Century

Shafali Verma etched her name in cricket history by becoming the second Indian woman to score a double century in Test cricket, following in the footsteps of the legendary Mithali Raj. Nearly 22 years after Raj’s remarkable 214 off 407 balls against England in Taunton (August 2002), Shafali showcased her aggressive batting prowess with an electrifying 205 off just 197 deliveries.

Her milestone moment came in style, as she smashed back-to-back sixes off off-spinner Delmi Tucker before taking a single to reach the historic landmark. Throughout her dominating innings, she struck 23 boundaries and cleared the ropes eight times, cementing her reputation as one of the most explosive batters in women’s cricket. Her scintillating knock ultimately ended when she was run out, but not before she left an indelible mark on the game.

Playing Style: The Fearless Power-Hitter

A dynamic right-handed opening batter, Shafali Verma is known for her aggressive stroke play and commanding bat swing. She also bowls occasional right-arm off-breaks, adding versatility to her game.

Mithali Raj, who later captained Verma in domestic and international cricket, first noticed her talent in a Haryana vs. Railways match. Recalling Shafali’s early years, Raj noted:

"She was a bit one-dimensional back then, scoring primarily on the on-side. But she had raw power for a youngster."

Initially, Shafali’s batting was characterized by an eagerness to dispatch the ball out of the park, sometimes leading to errors in judging line and length. However, as her career progressed, she refined her technique while maintaining her aggressive intent.

Evolution & Growth: From Power-Hitter to Strategic Batter

Right from the start of her international career, Verma gained recognition for her fearless approach, six-hitting ability, and signature ‘playing in the V’ style (targeting long-off to long-on). Cricket analysts often praised her well-executed cover drive, describing it as textbook-perfect.

Sports journalist Lavanya Lakshmi Narayanan observed in 2024:

"She still embodies the image of a trigger-happy six-hitter with quintessential Haryanvi swagger and an unfiltered personality. But much has changed—she has expanded her shot selection, improved her running between wickets, and addressed her struggles against short-pitched bowling."

Shafali herself emphasized continuous improvement, stating in mid-2021:

"I try to take lessons from every series and keep improving as a cricketer."

Her dedication was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when her coach, Ashwini Kumar, set up personal training nets with a bowling machine to help her refine her batting skills. She also attended a training camp with the Haryana men’s team, where she worked on her back-foot play and bouncer defense.

Strategic Adjustments & Consistency

In March 2024, after leading her team to victory in a Women’s Premier League (WPL) match with a crucial half-century, Shafali shared insights into her refined approach. She credited her WPL captain, Meg Lanning, for helping her understand the importance of building an innings and maintaining consistency.

"I’ve changed a few things and feel more stable at the crease now. I’ve learned how to pace my innings better, pick gaps, and execute my shots with clarity."

The Road Ahead: A Star in the Making

With her fearless approach, ever-improving technique, and hunger for runs, Shafali Verma continues to be a formidable force in women’s cricket. As she fine-tunes her skills, her journey promises even greater milestones in the years to come.

FAQs:

1. Who is Shafali Verma?
   Shafali Verma is an Indian cricketer known for her explosive batting and aggressive playing style.
2. What is Shafali Verma's highest score in Test cricket?
   Shafali Verma's highest score in Test cricket is 205 off 197 balls.
3. Who was the first Indian woman to score a Test double century?
   Mithali Raj was the first Indian woman to score a Test double century in 2002.
4. How did Shafali Verma reach her Test double century?
   Shafali Verma reached her double century with back-to-back sixes and a single.
5. What is Shafali Verma's playing style?
   Shafali Verma is an aggressive right-handed opening batter known for her power-hitting and fearless approach.
6. What changes has Shafali Verma made to improve her game?
   Shafali Verma has expanded her shot selection, improved her footwork, and worked on handling short-pitched balls.
7. How did Shafali Verma train during the COVID-19 pandemic?
   Shafali Verma practiced using a bowling machine at her coach’s backyard training setup.
8. Who influenced Shafali Verma’s batting improvements?
   Shafali credits Meg Lanning for helping her learn to pace her innings and improve consistency.
9. Which domestic team does Shafali Verma play for?
   Shafali Verma represents Haryana in domestic cricket.
10. What records has Shafali Verma set in international cricket?
    Shafali Verma holds the record for the fastest double century in Women's Test cricket for India.