Did God Truly Acknowledge Shafali's Hard Work with Her India Recall?
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Synopsis
In an emotional return to the Indian team, Shafali Verma reflects on her journey back to the national squad for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final. After a year away, she felt divinely rewarded for her dedication. Discover her inspiring story and the significance of their historic World Cup victory.
Key Takeaways
- Shafali Verma made a notable comeback to the Indian women's cricket team.
- Her performance was pivotal in securing India's first Women's ODI World Cup title.
- The win is seen as a culmination of hard work and dedication from current and past players.
- The emotional aspect of her journey emphasizes resilience in sports.
- The significance of home advantage was palpable during the final match.
New Delhi, Nov 12 (NationPress) Indian opener Shafali Verma has characterized her return to the national team ahead of the semi-final against Australia in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup as one of the most poignant moments in her career, especially after a year spent away from the game. She expressed that it "felt like God acknowledged my hard work."
Replacing the injured Pratika Rawal just before the semi-final clash against Australia, Shafali scored only 10 runs in a match that India won by five wickets, successfully chasing down a historic total of 339.
However, Shafali capitalized on her opportunity with a standout performance in the final against South Africa. Opening the innings with Smriti Mandhana, she struck 87 runs off 78 balls, helping India set a strong total of 298, and also took 2 wickets for 36 runs, leading the team to their inaugural Women’s ODI World Cup title.
“Being selected for the semi-final was the happiest moment for me after being sidelined for a year. That period was incredibly challenging, but I continued to work hard. When Pratika got injured and I was called up, it felt like God recognized my efforts. No one wants to replace a teammate due to injury, but I was thankful for the chance to contribute,” Shafali shared on JioStar.
Shafali also spoke about the importance of winning the ODI World Cup trophy on home soil and acknowledged the legacy of the pioneers who made the sport thrive in the country, paving the way for today’s players.
“Lifting the trophy at DY Patil Stadium felt like a validation of all our hard work. The energy in the stadium fueled us further. I am grateful to Anjum Didi and all our seniors who have kept women’s cricket alive with their dedication. We are living in the golden era they helped establish, and this trophy belongs to them as much as it does to us,” she concluded.
Point of View
Shafali Verma's return to the Indian women's cricket team highlights the resilience and determination of athletes. Her journey serves as a reminder that hard work and perseverance can lead to remarkable comebacks. The Women's ODI World Cup victory is a monumental achievement for the team and the sport in the country, fostering a new era of women's cricket.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Shafali Verma's return to the team?
Shafali Verma was called back to the national team due to an injury sustained by Pratika Rawal just before the semi-final match.
How did Shafali perform in the final?
In the final against South Africa, Shafali scored 87 runs and took 2 wickets, significantly contributing to India's first Women's ODI World Cup title.
What does Shafali say about her experience?
Shafali expressed deep gratitude for her selection, stating that it felt like God acknowledged her hard work after a tough year away from the team.
Why is the ODI World Cup win significant?
Winning the ODI World Cup on home soil marks a historic achievement for Indian women's cricket and honors the legacy of past players who paved the way.
How did the team feel while lifting the trophy?
The team felt that their hard work paid off, and the atmosphere in the stadium added to their motivation and joy during the trophy lift.
