Shafali says – ‘There was only one target, to win’:’While batting, Smriti I were saying the same thing – it will happen, just play your game’

After India’s historic victory in the 2025 ODI World Cup final, the team’s star player Shafali Verma openly discussed several key moments, both on and off the field. She revealed that from joining the team after Pratika Rawal’s injury to breaking the dangerous partnership of Sune LuusLaura Wolvaardt, at every turn, there was only one goal in mind. To lead the team to victory. She also spoke honestly about her conversation with Smriti Mandhana in the final, Amanjot Kaur’s turning point catches, the difference between the 2020 and 2025 finals, and the role of coach Anmol Mazumdar. There was already a long 51-run partnership between Sune Luus and Laura Wolvaardt. In such a situation, what did captain Harmanpreet say to you before giving you the ball? Before giving the ball, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur just asked me – ‘Will you bowl?’ I immediately said – ‘Yes.’ We had decided before the match that every player would come forward to contribute whatever was needed for the win. At that time, Sune Luus and Laura Wolvaardt’s partnership was going well. When Harman handed me the ball, I told myself that I had to take a wicket in my very first over. I was able to do that. You were included in the team for the semi-final and final after Pratika Rawal got injured. What was going through your mind at that time? What happened with Pratika, no sportsperson wants that. When I was selected for the team, only one thought was on my mind. To lead the team to victory on my own in some match or another. I knew how big this stage was. I thank God that I got the opportunity to play that innings in the final and I succeeded in leading the team to victory. What were the similarities and differences between the 2020 T20 World Cup Final and the 2025 ODI World Cup Final? We lost the 2020 T20 final by a very close margin. Not just me, the entire team was emotional after that match. Many players from that World Cup are still in the team, so everyone understood how important this opportunity was for us. Especially when the final was happening on Indian soil. This time we gave it our all. The difference was that in 2025, playing in our own country, we received immense support from the crowd, for which I wholeheartedly thank them. How did it feel to partner with Smriti Mandhana in the final? What kind of conversations did you two have? Smriti and I have played together many times before, so we have a good understanding. We both felt quite confident. We were constantly backing each other and saying – ‘It will happen, just play your game.’ Smriti was in brilliant form at that time, which also gave me a lot of confidence. What was going through your mind when Amanjot Kaur caught Laura Wolvaardt? When the catch went up in the air, the first thought that came to my mind was that Laura could win the match. She has led the team to victory many times in such situations. That’s why her catch was extremely important. As soon as Amanjot caught it, I felt that the match had now tilted in our favor. I felt a great sense of relief at that moment. How much support did you and the other players receive from Coach Anmol Mazumdar?
Anmol Sir has worked very hard with our entire team not only this year but for many years. Apart from him, the entire team and supporting staff have made a big contribution to this World Cup victory. We all continuously supported each other. You only become World Champions when the entire team has one goal, and our target was only one, to win the World Cup.