The Indian female cricketer, Shefali Verma, has once again displayed the reason as to why she is among the most fearless players in the sport. Shefali, who was dropped last year, made a good comeback and assisted India in clinching the ICC Women world cup 2025. However, behind this success lies an emotional tale, which reveals how strong and courageous she is.
Shefali had been included in the Indian squad few days before the semifinal against Australia. The prime opener of the team Pratika Rawal was injured in the previous league match of the tournament and was forced to drop out of the tournament. That injury turned out to be a blessing to the Shefali as she took the chance with both hands and helped India to win the World Cup.
The last-minute all-round show is a brilliant one.
Shefali Verma delivered one of the best performances of her life in the world cup final with South Africa. She made 87 runs including 7 fours and 2 sixes. But that was not it and she also bowled 7 overs, got 2 wicket, and only gave 36 runs.
Her overall contribution saw India being crowned with the trophy, and she was the premier player of the match due to her fantastic performance.
Fired by the Team and Family Issues.
Shefali did not find it easy getting back to the Indian team. In November 2024, she was eliminated off the Australia tour squad. Her father Sanjay Verma is in a heart attack just two days before that.
Shefali did not inform her father on how she was dropped as he was in the hospital and had to rest. She was afraid that the bad news would have an even greater impact on his health.
Shefali told The Indian Express in an interview that it was a very difficult period in her life. My father had recently suffered a heart attack and after two days I was dropped out of the team. I did not inform him until he came to himself. He has been my greatest help all along. He reminded me of the diligent work I had as a child and advised me not to give up.
Her Father Assisted Her to be ready to make a come back.
When her father heard that she had been dropped, he did not allow her to have her long. He at once began to make plans of her returning.
When Shefali was asked about it, her father told her that it is not the end of the world when one gets dropped. It’s just a sign to work harder. I began to work on my weaknesses and this was; how to construct my innings, how to work around the strike and how to play long partnerships. Everyone knows that I can strike big players, but my aim was to be a smarter player.
She also responded that my father continued to encourage me on a daily basis. He made me mentally stronger. I understood that it is not the number of sixes that matter but being a patient player with confidence.
From Criticism to Glory
Being dropped, numerous cricketing fans and ex-players doubted the form of Shefali and her technique. but she played them all out in her bat and ball in the largest tournament in her life. Her playing in the world cup final was the best response to her critics.
India proceeded to beat the South Africa in the final and win the Women World Cup 2025 trophy. The biggest factor of success to India was Shefali, not only as a batter but also a bowler.
From Pain to Pride
It is not only a story of cricket; it is also a story of strength, faith and family as told by Shefali Verma. She had to deal with the illness of her father, disappointment, and she still emerged stronger than ever.
This is the same girl who used to conceal the agony of being dumped by her father to become a world champion. Shefali Verma has demonstrated that true champions are not those who never fall, but come back every time with tears of happiness in their eyes holding the trophy in their hands.
