\u201cWhat happened with Pratika, as a sportsperson, wasn't a good thing. No one wants any sportsperson to sustain such an injury. But God has sent me here to do something good,\u201d Shafali said ahead of the marquee clash.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Until the call came, Shafali was captaining Haryana in the National Women\u2019s T20 in Surat, where she had just smashed a 24-ball 55 in her last outing. She had also been in good form for India A on their recent tour of Australia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI was playing domestic (cricket) and I was in a very good touch,\u201d she said. \u201cTalking about the semifinals, it\u2019s not like it\u2019s something new for me because I have played in the semifinals before. It depends on how I keep myself clear mentally and keep giving myself confidence.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Shafali\u2019s ODI numbers \u2014 an average of 23 from 29 matches \u2014 might not reflect her true potential, she has often shown her ability to rise to big occasions. At 21, she already knows what it\u2019s like to play under pressure, having featured in the 2020 T20 World Cup final in Australia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She admitted that switching from T20s to the 50-over format remains a challenge, but added that she has been working hard on her approach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI was playing T20s, but as a batter, it\u2019s not that easy to switch. But we had a practice session today as well as yesterday. I tried to stay calm while batting. I tried to play good balls along the ground, and those that were in my range, I tried to hit them well,\u201d she explained. \u201cI have had long batting sessions in the last two days, today and tomorrow, and I felt great knowing I did all that I was trying to do,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite being in and out of the Indian side over the past couple of years, Shafali said her return was made easier by the warmth of her teammates.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen I joined the team, everyone was very welcoming, and it felt good to see that. All the players I have spoken to have boosted me up,\u201d she said. \u201cCoach, captain, and even Smriti di told me that I have to play my game. There is nothing to panic about. When I get this kind of freedom, I will try to respect the good balls and I will obviously hit those who are in my length.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite being in and out of the Indian side over the past couple of years, Shafali said her return was made easier by the warmth of her teammates.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
And as India gear up for the high-stakes semi-final, Shafali\u2019s mindset is simple \u2014 there\u2019s no holding back. \u201cWe are in the semis now and everyone knows that we have to give 200 per cent,\u201d she asserted. \u201cThere is no other chance because it is a knockout game and everyone will try to give their best.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n