‘I’ve learnt to control myself and play to the team’s needs’: Shafali Verma

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India’s destructive opener Shafali Verma, who was often guilty of throwing her wicket away, has revealed how she worked on her shortcomings to become a more consistent performer after playing a key role with both bat and ball in the women’s team’s gold-medal-winning campaign at the ongoing Asian Games in Japan.

Shafali, 22, was the leading run-scorer at the continental event with 188 runs, including an unbeaten century against Bangladesh, while also taking four wickets in three matches. In her last 12 T20Is, the off-spinner has scored 597 runs at an average of 59.7, while claiming 10 of her 22 career wickets.

Asked about her newfound consistency with the bat, the Haryana-born batter attributed it to the hard work she has put in since last year.

“I have worked a lot on my mental strength since 2025. I have worked a lot on my skill level since childhood, but where I was lacking was my mindset. So, since 2025, I have worked a lot on my mental preparation. Earlier, I used to play bad shots when the team didn’t need it. I learned to control myself and play according to the team’s needs,” Shafali, who scored 48 and claimed two wickets in the Asian Games final against Sri Lanka, told mid-day during an interaction organised by JSW Sports on Saturday.

Playing the patient game

“Now, even if I don’t get a ball to hit, I take a single and go to the non-striker’s end. I know that if I take my time, I can hit all the shots later. I’m happy that I did the hard work in 2025, because of which I am able to execute everything and reap the rewards,” she added.

Interestingly, Shafali revealed that she enjoys bowling more than batting and loves rolling her arm over in practice.

‘I love bowling more’

“I love bowling. I enjoy bowling more than batting. As a batter, it just takes one ball to get out, but in bowling, even if you get hit for a four or a six, you can still come back. So, I personally feel bowling is easier. Our captain and staff members have given me a lot of clarity that I will get to bowl. I work hard for that as well. I bowl 4-5 overs in every practice session so that I am prepared for the match.

“Our bowling coach has also helped me understand how to bowl when runs are low and we need wickets. So, I’m hoping to continue to contribute with the ball,” Shafali added.

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