ODI World Cup – Almost exactly a year after her last ODI for the India Blues, Shafali Verma finds herself back in the national set-up – this time with a shot at a comeback on the grandest stage. The 21-year-old was included in the squad as an injury replacement for Prateek Raval ahead of India’s Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final against defending champions Australia at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday.

Joining the team after being informed of her selection with the Haryana team for the Senior Women’s T20 tournament in Surat, Shafali admitted that the circumstances were bittersweet. He said, “What happened to Pratika was unfortunate. No player wants to see his teammate injured.

” She said she sees it as a “God-sent opportunity to do something good. ” Coming back to the team after a strong domestic performance, Shafali said she feels confident and is ready when given her chance. Having participated in many high-pressure games before, he believes the experience will help him handle the semi-final stage calmly.

“It’s all about keeping my mind clear and having confidence in myself. I’ve been in situations like this before, so I’ll stay calm and back up my game. ” Adapting from the T20 format to the 50-over format, Shafali said she has worked hard in the nets in the last two days to fine-tune her rhythm.

He credited the team management and senior players for welcoming him and supporting his natural attacking play. “There is no pressure. I have been told to play freely – respect the good balls and attack the balls that come in my range,” he said.