Thread by @bhaleraosarang

Please take a moment to read this amazing story of Shafali Verma—15-year-old sensation.
Her father Sanjeev Verma wanted Shafali to play cricket. But most academies refused to play with a girl. There were no academics for girls in Rohtak. Sanjeev just didn’t give up

Shafali Verma was registered as a boy in the local academy. She got a haircut like a boy as well. Sanjeev — a jeweller — was happy with the progress of his daughter and wanted to give her professional training. But there was yet another obstacle

Sanjeev found one academy nearly 10 kms away from their house. Shafali was so determined that she went on a bicycle everyday just to improve her skills and get more exposure. In the meanwhile her father didn’t receive support from neighbourhood and people close to him.

Playing with the boys Shafali Verma would often get hit on the helmet grill. But she never gave up and thought if she had to survive then attack was the best form of defence. That’s where Shafali developed her attacking game and fight spirit. Her Turning point was yet to come

In 2013, 9-year-old Shafali was so happy to see Sachin Tendulkar at Lahli. Seeing the Master Blaster bat made her dream big.Shafali wanted to play for India and that was her only goal. She would chant “Sachin Sachin” sitting on her father’s shoulders who himself was a Sachin fan

Shafali made a name for herself as a big hitter and played age-group cricket for Haryana as a wicketkeeper.
In 2019, she made an impact with her big hitting in Women’s IPL. She impressed in the national camp and was fast-tracked in the Indian team.

Shafali made her T20 debut for India v SA in Surat. Scored an attacking 46 in her 2nd game. Scored back to back fifties v WI. Shafali wants to fill Mithali’s shoes in the T20 format. Shafali idolises Mithali Raj