For many young athletes, representing their country is the ultimate dream, and for 20-year-old Shafali Verma, that dream came true when she made her India debut in 2019.
Coming from humble beginnings in Rohtak, Haryana, this achievement holds even more significance for her.
Ahead of the ninth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup, Verma shared her thoughts in an interview with Star Sports, reflecting on the emotional weight of wearing the India jersey.
“It’s a monumental achievement for me, especially considering where I come from. Playing for my country is a huge honor,” Verma said. “Wearing the India T-shirt is not just emotional; it’s the happiest feeling. My only focus is on how I can keep improving for the team and the country.”
Speaking about the responsibility that comes with the India jersey, she added, “I’ve received the jersey, but my main focus is how well I can carry the weight of expectations that come with it and how much honor I can bring while wearing it.”
Currently, Verma is training with her teammates at a 10-day camp at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. The team will head to the UAE on September 24, 2024, to prepare for the World Cup with matches against West Indies on September 29 and South Africa on October 1, before starting their campaign against New Zealand on October 4.