IND vs ZIM — India will look to play fearless T20 cricket, says vice-captain Shafali Verma

File photo: Shafali Verma has been named vice-captain for the India’s T20I side. | Photo Credit: AP

New India vice-captain Shafali Verma said that the side will look to play fearless T20 cricket when it faces Zimbabwe in three T20Is beginning on Friday, October 16.

The series is India’s first under new captain Smriti Mandhana, who has taken over from Harmanpreet Kaur. Shafali has been named as vice-captain in T20Is, taking on the role Smriti previously held.

“We have spoken about it, that in this series we have to play a fearless brand of cricket with smartness till the Champions Trophy. We have done lots of meetings so everyone knows what to do. We are just trying to keep growing series by series,” Shafali told reporters ahead of the match. 

She also elaborated on her role as a vice-captain, noting that her previous leadership experience had prepared for the role.

“I have done captaincy in the 2019 World Cup as well, so, I know that experience. I know vice-captaincy is not just a title. It’s a big responsibility.

We have to just take care of each and every player and get them in a very good headspace. I am just trying to make every player very comfortable and just help the captain,” she said.

ALSO READ: Smriti Mandhana steps up to lead India’s new chapter

The 22-year-old batter also paid tribute to outgoing Harmanpreet’s impact on Indian cricket, saying, “Harman provided a lot of growth to women’s cricket and the way it has shaped, it is all because of her.’

India’s middle-order has come under the scanner across the recently concluded Asian Games and Asia Cup, with Jemimah Rodrigues’ absence through injury creating a void. However, Shafali noted that India had not suffered in her absence, and that new players would be tried in her place. 

“Jemi is recovering, but in the Asia Cup and the Asian Games, we did not feel much. The way Richa (Ghosh) and Harman played, and now Niki (Prasad) has come, hopefully she will do well and we will keep trying players,” Shafali said.