Versatile Shafali Verma Prepared to Adapt to Any Batting Role in the Indian Side

Shafali Verma has been called up in place of the injured Pratika Rawal for the upcoming semi-final clash against Australia. She is confident to bat at any position, giving Team India a bit of flexibility in deciding the batting order. The opening batter was playing in a domestic tournament in India when she received the call from the national side before the all-important semi-final.

Brimming with confidence, Shafali said that playing in semi-finals is nothing new to her, as she has grown up as a cricketer while competing in such high-pressure matches. She is looking forward to the Australia challenge by believing in the skills that have given her plenty of success so far in her career.

"I was playing domestic cricket and was in good touch. Talking about the semi-finals, it's not something new for me because I've played many semi-finals before. It's just a matter of keeping my mind clear and giving myself confidence. I've been in such situations earlier, so it's nothing new. I'll keep telling myself to stay calm and believe in myself. So absolutely, I'll do well, 200%,” said Shafali Verma at the pre-match press conference.

Speaking about Pratika's injury, she said that no one likes to see things like this happen. These injuries are quite concerning, and she hopes Pratika recovers quickly.

"Of course, what happened with Pratika - as a sportsperson, seeing that doesn't feel good. No one wants any player to go through such an injury. But I believe God has sent me here to do something good," said Shafali Verma.

While speaking about the challenge to change formats, she said that it is very difficult due to varying playing conditions. However, with correct practice sessions, things can be adopted steadily while keeping a firm belief in yourself.

"Absolutely, I was playing T20s, and as a batter, it's not easy to switch formats so quickly. But we had good practice sessions yesterday and today. I stayed calm and batted well. I tried to attack the bowlers who were in my range. I've had long batting sessions over the last two days, and I'm feeling really good because whatever I'm trying is working out. So yes, I'm happy with my touch. It's looking very good for me," said Shafali Verma.

When asked about her place in the playing XI, she said that the team management will take the final call in this regard. Despite being a specialist opening batter, she also voiced her openness to bat at any position for the Indian side in the upcoming match.

"That's a management call [if they want to play me tomorrow]. But if you ask me, I'm flexible. I can play anywhere, not just as an opener or in the middle order. The confidence I have in myself is very important as a sportsperson. So wherever the management wants me to play, I'm super ready," said Shafali Verma.

She then spoke about the support the team management has given her since returning to the squad. Receiving such encouragement from the teammates has boosted her confidence, allowing her to approach the upcoming challenge with complete freedom.

"All the players I've spoken to have boosted my confidence a lot, which means a lot to me. The coach, captain, and even Smriti [Mandhana] told me that I just need to play my game, there's no pressure. I just have to play the way I know, without panicking. So yes, I've been given a lot of freedom, and I'll try to respect the good balls and hit the ones in my range," said Shafali Verma.

India will take on Australia in a high-profile semi-final match today. It will be a great contest to watch, as Australia is currently in stellar form, with all their players performing well. India will try to challenge them with a strong batting performance. However, the ruthless Australian team won’t give them an easy passage.