Punam Raut wants Shafali Verma to bat with the same responsibility as she has for the Delhi Capitals in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Delhi Capitals faced Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday at the Braboure Stadium in Mumbai. The swashbuckling Shafali scored a fluent 45-ball 84 to help DC set a daunting total of 223 on the board against RCB. Shafali’s knock contained 10 fours and 4 sixes. RCB could only manage 163 in reply, losing by 60 runs.
Punam Raut heaped praise on Shafali for the knock while speaking on Sports18 and wanted her to play in the same fashion for the national team.
“There has been a huge change in Shafali Verma’s batting. She has played the last few World Cups, her batting used to be a little flashy there, she used to play more in the air but today she played quite a few shots along the ground. This is what we expect from Shafali Verma for India going forward.”
The right-handed Punam, who had a solid technique herself, lauded Shafali for playing in the ‘V’.
“In fact, she played a lot in the ‘V’ (straight down the ground). You get to play with the full face of the bat when you play in the ‘V’. She played with responsibility while taking calculative risks.”
“Shafali’s innings will be an inspiration to the youngsters” – Punam Raut praised Shafali for her ability to read the game at such young age
The destructive opening batter, Shafali, earned praise from Punam Raut for her shot selection.
“The way Shafali and Meg Lanning used the powerplay and then built the innings after six overs, that was a good show overall. Shafali Verma’s shot selection was commendable.”
The 33-year-old Punam feels that Shafali’s knock would help inspire the younger generation.
“At this age, if you show such good timing and reading of the game, there cannot be anything bigger than that. Shafali’s innings will be an inspiration to the youngsters. It was enjoyable to watch.”
Delhi Capitals will play its second match against UP Warriors on March 7, in Navi Mumbai.
H/T to Sportskeeda for the quotes.
