The youngest to play a T20I game for India, Shafali Verma has arguably been India’s best T20I player in recent years.

She came into the limelight during a women’s exhibition match played towards the back end of the IPL 2019. Verma did not score much, but her confidence and shot selection at a young age impressed everyone. 

She also impressed in the Women’s T20 challenge that took place later in the same year, and as a result was drafted in India’s T20I squad. 

She made her debut against South Africa, but was eventually dismissed for a duck on her debut innings. 

In December 2019, Verma slammed a majestic ton against Australia A side and was also the highest run-scorer in the Challengers Trophy in January 2020. In the finals against India B, Verma smashed 89 off just 45 balls and guided India C past the victory line. She finished the tournament as the highest run-getter with 189 runs under her belt.

Verma was the heartbeat of the Indian team that reached the finals of the 2020 Women’s World Cup. The right handed batter amassed 163 runs at an average of 32 and a healthy strike-rate of 158.25.

In March 2021, Verma became the new NO.1 T20I player in the world, following her blazing knock of 47 off just 31 deliveries against South Africa in the second T20I of the series. 

Verma has been touted by many to be the future of Indian cricket. Her patience and temperament at such a young age has impressed everyone. Her biggest strength is playing fearless cricket and taking on the bowlers right from the word go.

(As of Mar 21)