Indian women’s cricket is witnessing a rejuvenation as Shafali Verma, one of its most explosive batters, makes a much-anticipated return to the national T20I squad for the upcoming England tour. The selection committee, in an announcement made earlier this week, confirmed Shafali’s inclusion, along with several strategic changes that hint at India’s aggressive approach for the crucial overseas series.
The 20-year-old opener, who has been a crowd favorite since her debut in 2019, returns after a short absence from the T20I side. Her comeback is seen not just as a selection decision, but as a strong signal of India’s intent to bring back firepower at the top of the order.
A Natural Match-Winner
Shafali Verma’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for Indian women’s cricket. Known for her fearless hitting and ability to dominate bowlers from the first over, she has long been considered a natural T20 player. Her career strike rate of over 130 in T20Is makes her one of the most destructive openers in the women’s game globally.
Her performances in recent domestic matches and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) were enough to convince selectors that she is ready to don the India jersey again. In the latest WPL season, Shafali smashed 247 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 142, including two half-centuries.
Chief selector Neetu David said, “Shafali brings a unique kind of aggression that can change the game within a few overs. Her inclusion will give our batting order the depth and dynamism it needs against a strong England side.”
England Tour: The Road Ahead
The England tour is being seen as a critical part of India’s preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled in 2026. The T20I leg includes three matches in June, to be played in Birmingham, Bristol, and London. The pitches in England traditionally offer pace and bounce—conditions where Shafali has previously done well.
The series will also be India’s first full-fledged bilateral contest since their mixed results in the recent South Africa and Australia tours. The return of Shafali, alongside experienced players like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, could help India field a more balanced and threatening side.
Team Composition: A Mix of Experience and Youth
In addition to Shafali, the T20I squad has retained seasoned campaigners such as Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Radha Yadav. The surprise omissions were all-rounder Kashvee Gautam, who has been left out of the ODI squad, and youngster Anjali Sarvani, who is still recovering from injury.
Notably, wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia and all-rounder Harleen Deol have also made their return to the T20 setup. Their re-entry adds more options to the middle order, which has been under scrutiny for lacking firepower in the finishing stages.
The team seems well-rounded and dynamic, with a mix of power-hitters, spinners, pacers, and all-rounders. It’s clear that the BCCI is building a squad that can challenge top teams across all conditions.
What Shafali Brings to the Table
Shafali’s fearless attitude has always stood out. From the time she became the youngest Indian to debut in T20Is at age 15, she has brought with her an X-factor that few players possess. Her footwork, timing, and natural hitting ability make her a nightmare for bowlers, especially in the powerplay.
She has also gained significant experience playing in overseas leagues such as the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia and The Hundred in England, which has helped her mature as a cricketer. Her understanding of international conditions and ability to adapt quickly makes her an asset on foreign soil.
Her ability to score quickly also eases the pressure on the middle order. A quick 30 or 40 at the top can set the tone for big totals or chase downs, particularly against a bowling-heavy side like England.
The Mental Aspect: Shafali’s Growth as a Cricketer
Apart from her technical skills, what stands out is Shafali’s improved maturity. She has been working closely with coaches on her temperament and game awareness. “I’ve learned when to go hard and when to hold back. That’s something I’ve been focusing on a lot in recent months,” Shafali said in a recent interview.
Her brief exclusion from the national team may have acted as a much-needed break and wake-up call. Many believe that her return is not just about regaining her place, but about proving she belongs among the elite in women’s cricket.
Reactions from the Cricketing Community
Shafali’s return has been warmly welcomed by fans and former players alike. Former India women’s captain Mithali Raj tweeted, “Glad to see Shafali back. She brings a spark that few others can. Wishing her a strong comeback!”
Analyst and commentator Anjum Chopra, speaking on a cricket broadcast, said, “She’s the kind of player who can win you matches on her own. India needs that kind of fearless energy, especially on tours like England.”
Even England players like Sophie Ecclestone and Nat Sciver-Brunt, who have played alongside her in global leagues, acknowledged her impact. “She’s dangerous. You have to plan well against someone like her,” Ecclestone noted.
A Bigger Picture for Indian Women’s Cricket
The buzz around Shafali Verma’s return is a reminder of the growing interest and evolution of women’s cricket in India. With the success of the Women’s Premier League and more international exposure, players now have platforms to prove themselves and develop beyond national boundaries.
Shafali represents this new wave—young, fearless, technically sound, and media-savvy. Her performances influence not just match results but also how young girls view cricket as a viable career.
Her return to the T20I squad is more than a personal comeback; it’s a signal of India’s strategic direction in women’s cricket: aggressive, youthful, and bold.
Looking Ahead: Eyes on the World Cup
While the immediate focus is the England tour, there’s a larger objective in sight—the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Shafali is expected to be a crucial part of the build-up and eventual campaign for the marquee event.
The BCCI is likely to monitor her fitness, form, and workload closely to ensure she peaks at the right time. With global tournaments becoming more competitive, India needs players like her firing consistently.
Shafali Verma’s return to India’s T20I setup marks the revival of one of its brightest stars. With an exciting tour of England ahead, fans can once again look forward to her blazing strokeplay, fearless intent, and youthful enthusiasm. As India rebuilds for future glory, Shafali stands at the center of a team that’s ready to take on the world—one fearless innings at a time.
Cheer for the women in blue and keep track of their fixtures, returns, and key performances. For real-time news and profiles, stay tuned to Mahadev Book.
