'We'll try to make winning World Cups a habit'

{ SHAFALI VERMA } 2025 ODI WORLD CUP WINNER

- Rasesh Mandani

Like a destiny's child, after not being picked initially, Shafali Verma walked in as an injury replacement and delivered an all-round show (87-78b and 2/36) in the final against South Africa to win India the ODI World Cup, their first women's ICC title.

A fortnight after the historic win, the Player-of-the-Final, who is managed by JSW Sports, relives the key moments and promises more such highs.

Excerpts:

Congratulations again. There have been so many felicitations. Have you had time to catch up on sleep, are you sleeping better now?

(Laughs) Look, as a cricketer, our aim was to win the World Cup. We have achieved that. It's been some time now, so it's sinking in ... about 80 percent. Big thanks to the country for showing us all the love. We will try to make this a habit, keep winning World Cups and make the country proud. This has been a victory for women's cricket.

After your bowling in the final, you have become a bit of an allrounder ...

I have always liked to bowl. I have bowled in domestic cricket. Previously, Harman di (captain) has given me an over or two. Now, I will not have to ask for overs, she will give it on her own.