Cricket’s magic lies in its unpredictability, turning underdogs into legends overnight. Shefali Verma embodies this spirit, rising from Rohtak’s dusty grounds to global stardom. Hailing from a family where cricket was more than a sport—it was a legacy—her father sacrificed his ambitions, channeling dreams into his children. Born January 28, 2004, Shefali, alongside her siblings, honed skills in backyard nets, idolizing Sachin Tendulkar.

Her breakthrough came early: at 15 years, 239 days, she donned India’s blues for a T20I debut, surpassing Sachin’s record. The youngest to feature in all formats, her right-handed aggression redefined opening batting. Consistent performances cemented her spot, but a form dip excluded her from the initial 2025 Women’s World Cup squad.

Opportunity knocked during the tournament. Opener Pratika Rawal’s injury before the semis brought Shefali back. Though the semi tested her resolve, the final showdown with South Africa was her masterpiece. On November 2, 2025, she blazed 87 runs off 78 deliveries, her power-hitting pivotal in setting a daunting total. Seamlessly switching to bowling, she snared two key wickets for 36 runs, clinching Player of the Match and India’s maiden ODI World Cup triumph.

Reviewing her ledger: In Tests, 5 matches yield 567 runs, including a majestic 205; ODIs see 741 runs in 31 games with five fifties; T20Is boast 2,462 runs in 95 outings, laced with 14 half-centuries. Just 22, Shefali’s trajectory promises a treasure trove of records, solidifying her as a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide.