Is Shafali Verma's Remarkable Comeback Enough to Secure Her Spot in the ODI World Cup?

Birmingham, July 13 (NationPress) Shafali Verma has made a remarkable return to T20I cricket in England, positioning herself as a strong contender for this year's ODI World Cup in India, as confirmed by head coach Amol Mazumdar following their 3-2 series victory at Edgbaston.

After being omitted from the squad post India’s group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup last October, Shafali rejoined the national team for the T20I series against England. She made a compelling case for her inclusion, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the series, trailing only her opening partner Smriti Mandhana.

Shafali scored a total of 176 runs at an average of 35.20 and an outstanding strike rate of 158.55, with contributions of 20, 3, 47, 31, and a sensational 75 off 41 balls. Her top performances came in close losses at The Oval and Edgbaston, where England secured victories on the last ball.

On Saturday night, Shafali hit a half-century in just 23 balls - the joint second-fastest by an Indian woman, alongside Mandhana and only behind Richa Ghosh’s record 18-ball performance against the West Indies last year.

Although Shafali will not participate in the upcoming ODI series starting Wednesday in Southampton, Mazumdar assured that she is “without a doubt” a candidate for the ODI World Cup at home, beginning on September 30. Currently, Pratika Rawal maintains her position as the first-choice opener.

Since her debut against the West Indies in December, Rawal has averaged 63.80 across 11 ODIs, with a career-best score of 154 against Ireland and five half-centuries.

"This highlights the depth we now have in the India squad. Pratika Rawal made quite an impact in her initial months in international cricket," Mazumdar stated.

"We have a lot of depth in this Indian line-up, which creates a good challenge for the coaching staff. Shafali has been exceptional, and I firmly believe she will be part of the core group. Currently, Pratika has joined the squad just days before the ODI series; our depth is indeed strengthening."

While the ODI series will provide a clearer insight into both teams' World Cup preparations, India also noted the emergence of left-arm spinner Shree Charani, who was named Player of the Series in the T20I segment of the tour.

Charani, who debuted in the T20I series opener, ended as the leading wicket-taker with ten wickets at an average of 14.80 and an economy rate of 7.46. She made a significant impact with figures of 4 for 12 in her inaugural match. Despite going wicketless in the final game, head coach Amol Muzumdar was pleased with her development.

"She has been a gem found through the WPL. We identified her there, and her progress has been outstanding; she’s been phenomenal during this series. We were in need of a left-arm spinner, and she fits the bill perfectly," said India’s head coach.