Shafali Verma had a tough last year, but she kept working hard to a dramatic World Cup glory

Shafali Verma made a dramatic entry into the India Women squad for the Women's World Cup 2025 after Pratika Rawal was injured right ahead of the knockout games. Seizing the most out of the opportunity, the Haryana-born played a match-winning innings in the finals against South Africa, following it up with an important spell with the ball in the second innings, to help India taste glory for the first time.

This comeback into the team was very much a roller-coaster ride for the youngster. However, she defines the journey that came to fruition as the one where the God rewarded her for continuing to work hard despite facing struggles and hardships.

“The last year was tough for me. I faced many struggles, but I kept working hard and was rewarded by God for my effort. When I joined the team ahead of the semi-final, I was determined to contribute to the World Cup win,” she said. “The final is always a big stage. Initially, I was a bit nervous, but I calmed myself, focused on my strategy, and executed it well. That helped me deliver an all-round performance,” Shafali told reporters as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

She was not considered for the World Cup squad initially, but luck followed her, and she eventually played the match of her life as the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side won the cup, also their maiden ICC title. The opening batter added that the entire Playing XI took the field in the night of the finals, with only goal — to give it their all for the country.

“I tried to stay calm and execute my plans, and things went as expected. The only thought was that we had to give our all in those seven hours for our country,” she added on her journey to a dreamy end to the World Cup.

Women should have self-belief and work hard, advises Shafali Verma

Shafali also highlighted the importance of women's participation in different fields of the society to lead by example. She said that the society should always encourage the young girls to pick up unconventional paths and thrive in whatever the field they choose, as it will eventually lead to the better impact on the social culture.

“They should always work hard in whatever field they pick, and have self-belief, the results will follow,” she expressed.

It will be interesting to see who opens for the Women in Blue alongside Smriti Mandhana, as both Pratika Rawal and Shafali have proven their worth for being considered for a spot.