Photo via Hindustan Times

The work put in when I was out of the team is helping me now: Shafali Verma

Shafali Verma has embraced her new role as vice-captain alongside Smriti Mandhana as India prepares for an upcoming series against Zimbabwe. The 22-year-old credits her recent success to a period of intense self-improvement during 2025, when she focused on fitness, mental strength, and consistency after being left out of the national squad.

Her resurgence included a standout performance in last year's ODI World Cup final, where she contributed 87 runs and two wickets after receiving a late call-up due to an injury to teammate Pratika Rawal. Verma also noted that her ability to contribute with the ball is the result of long-term preparation, having practiced bowling for Haryana since 2021 in anticipation of a potential international opportunity.

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