.svg){kind=small}
The Indian opener Shefali Verma was acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 2 crore on Monday during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Auction in Mumbai. The bidding for Shafali was fierce between Delhi and Royal Challengers Bangalore. It's not surprising that her worth in the Women’s T20 challenge auction is measured in crores given her spectacular ascent to face in the world of cricket which has left everyone in amazement. In this blog, we will talk about Shafali Verma and the auction for the 2023 WPL.
Shafali Verma records show that she made her T20 International debut in 2019 and became the youngest player to achieve this feat in all the cricket formats. She also became the youngest player in October 2022 to reach 1000 runs in T20I. She achieved this milestone in just 43 matches, the third-fastest Indian after Mithali Raj and Jeminmah Rodrigues. Besides, the 19-year-old also boasts the greatest batting strike rate of 134.46 which she accumulated over 1000 career runs. Shafali Verma’s records and prominent accomplishments came during the 2020 ICC women’s T20 World Cup where she won the player of the tournament and finished as the competition’s leading run-scorer.
Her contributions helped India win the match, and her aggressive style at the top of the order gave the team's batting lineup a fresh perspective.
In the first season of the Women's Premier League, Delhi Capitals have acquired Shefali Verma, the captain of the Under-19 T20 World Cup winning team for a whopping amount of 2 crores. The Delhi Capitals and the Royal Challengers were Involved in a bidding battle prior to Mumbai India's INR 1.3 crore offer. However, Delhi Capitals somehow persisted and managed to secure the player for INR 2 crore. After which Shafali verma HD images of signing was announced by the Delhi capital's WPL team on Twitter.
They welcomed her and said that they were bringing another U-19 World Cup champion captain. In the team, she will be joined by other players like Australia's Meg Lanning and Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues.
Shafali Verma's match impact on the Women’s Premier League can be gauged by the huge demand she generates among different team franchises. Her talent, unwavering hard work and fearless batting style made her a desired asset in the WPL. Franchises are aware of how a player with her skill set can contribute to a team's better performance, branding and marketing efforts off the pitch. Her prowess at taking on the greatest bowlers in the world and her talent for scoring rapid runs at the top of the order makes her a player who can alter the outcome of a game in just a few overs.
In a cricket-crazy country like India, Players like Shafali Verma are more than just athletes. They stand in for the hopes and aspirations of several young ladies who aspire to don the Indian short and represent the nation. Shafali Verma's valuation in the WPL auction is not just a reflection of her cricket prowess but also a representation of how women’s cricket in India is changing. As Shafali continues to grow as a cricketer she paves the way for future generations of female cricket players. Her story serves as a testament to the strength of talent, perseverance and bravery.
FAQ’s
What is the highest score of Shefali Verma’s in a T20 International?
As of 2023, Shafali Verma’s highest score in T20 International Matches is 73 runs. She made history in 2019 when debuted in India's Women's Twenty20 International match at the age of 15.
What is Shafali Verma’s Batting style?
Shafali is a renowned right-handed opening batsman and is famous for her aggressive and fearless hitting approach.
