On an overcast day in Mumbai as the hours of light rain turn into heavy downpours, the swashbuckling Indian cricketer Shafali Verma walks out of her vanity van, unperturbed by the thick droplets falling overhead and a throng of people around her. She makes her way inside the studio, briskly. Before you realise, she is in her element, listening to the instructions, attentively, and doing what's being asked of her. There's a sense of minimalism about the way she carries herself, and I can't help but wonder how much of her cricket is an extension of her real-life personality. Once the photo shoot is over, she saunters to the corner, observing the bustle of a studio, and walking only when summoned by her team for make-up or hairstyling. Her demeanour and gait mirror her approach to batting, where she hardly makes a movement that she deems unnecessary. It's not stiffness but her style. It's not a defect but design. It's the sheer bravery and belief in her game, that her strength is enough to propel the ball over the boundary line. 

The bold, brave, and no-fuss attitude might be mistaken for arrogance, but the moment you break the ice, that perception of her is shattered. These are also the same traits that make her the most feared batter in the world. She might give you a gentle smile when you expect a wide grin, a casual, no-look fist bump when you're hoping for a full-fledged display of her exhilaration, but she will surely prefer to whack it down the ground than knock it off for a single. She is wired that way. What distinguishes Shafali from her peers is her affinity for taking risks, choosing the most audacious option when myriads of safer alternatives lay in front of her. Indian cricket never had any dearth of players who embodied grace and gravity, whose batting would strike your senses most vividly, but they never had the luxury of having a disruptor like Shafali–a player who can take the game by the scruff of the neck. A genre-bending, shapeshifting predator always on the prowl. Playing her first big tournament in 2020, Shafali didn't look out of sorts by any stretch and presented a strong case for her methods that belied the madness by smashing nine towering sixes in the competition. 

She has only grown from strength to strength, though there have been times when she would be reviled if her high-flying approach didn't pay dividends. It's hard not to pay heed and mend your ways when you see critical remarks over your flamboyant approach flying thick and fast everywhere. But Shafali had always remained unfazed. She remained stubborn to her true ideals. "I always had this never-give-up attitude ingrained in me," tells Shafali. Perhaps that's why she became the youngest player ever to hit a double century earlier this year against South Africa. Her 205 came in just 198 balls and was just a perfect blend of patience and panache, where she masterfully negotiated the tricky phase before carrying on with a ruthless assault. It was an innings that established her credentials as an all-round player who can play across conditions and situations. "I am grateful to god that double-century happened," asserts the dashing batter, whose stocks in the team have risen tremendously. 

She remains the bonafide star of the Indian women's team, receiving adulation from not only fans but multiple prestigious brands. But it's the association with Hyundai Motors India Limited that she cherishes the most. “They have always been a strong pillar of support in my cricketing journey,” quips Shafali.  

What aspect of your game you have been working on lately? 

I have been working on improving my running between the wickets. I have also been working extra hard on my fitness, because matches now come thick and fast, and I need to recover quickly after every game. If I stay fit, I can contribute to the team for longer. 

What drives and motivates you to stay consistent and focused? 

Whatever I will do now will reflect in my future. An athlete's peak doesn't last long. I have to work hard now to allow myself to be comfortable and sleep comfortably in future. This always keeps me grounded and focused on my craft. 

You became the first Indian to score a double century in a women's Test. Did you ever think reaching such a monumental milestone was possible when you started the innings? 

I thought about a hundred, not double-hundred. After I reached the triple-figure mark, I thought of playing an aggressive game, but then my mind went back to the lean patch that I had endured. I have been playing for so many years without a single century to my name in this format. I was batting well, and I wanted to make the best out of it. I wanted to keep going with no finish line in sight. I reaccumulated my focus and started playing my natural game, and reached the milestone. It was a truly special day for me, and I am forever grateful to god.

How do you handle bad times?  

If I am enjoying the good times, I will have to appreciate my bad times too. I will not say that bad days are better or anything, because no one wants those days of course, but they teach you a lot. When I started playing, everyone would say that you learn from mistakes. Only now do I understand what they actually meant. My innings against South Africa were possible only because I learned my lessons from previous failures. 

You have been associated with Hyundai Motor India Limited for three years now. How have they helped you in your cricketing journey?  

I have grown up watching Hyundai cars. To have unflinching support from such a big brand gives me a lot of strength and motivation to do well in my career. 

In fact, your partnership with the brand dates back to the first Drive Within campaign. You were also associated during the launch of the 2021 Hyundai Alcazar and now we have the 2024 model. How has your journey with Hyundai Motor India Limited been so far? 

It's been an exceptional journey with Hyundai Motor India Limited. I have been with them for a long time, and they always make you feel valued. Their support for women's cricket is immense, and I really hope to be with them for many years to come. 

Three words that describe Shafali Verma on the pitch?  

Fearless, passionate and unshakeable. 

How would you describe your fashion sense? 

I am very much into fashion, and I love trying out new clothes every day. I usually prioritise comfort over anything when I am choosing my clothes. 

How have you evolved as a player in the last few years since making your international debut?  

It's always a process. Earlier I used to take things a bit lightly, but the rigours of international cricket have taught me a lot of new stuff that's not just restricted to my game. Of course, my batting has improved on many fronts, but the mental side of the game is just as important as the physical side. I am still working on my mindset, and I keep growing with every match I play. 

Who was your cricketing idol when you started playing this game? 

Sachin Tendulkar. My entire family was a huge fan of Sachin Sir. Every time he would get out, the television would be turned off. 

How do you unwind after a hectic tour? 

I relax, watch some movies, and spend time with my family so that I am mentally fresh for my next assignments.

How do you adjust yourself to the multi-faceted demands of each format? 

Everyone says that you have to just hit the ball but I don't think so. Being mentally prepared is the most important factor in performing well in all three formats of the game. In Tests, I need to be calm and composed because there's no shortage of time. Of course, in T20s my priority is to capitalize on opportunities to hit boundaries. 

What are some of your favourite cricketing memories? 

Of course, the day I made my debut for India will forever be special. Leading India U-19 to the world championship meant a lot to me, and the double century against South Africa would also come in the top three. 

Which is your favourite shot? 

I like to step out and hit straight to the sight screen.

CREDITS:
Photographer: Rohit Gupta (@rohitguptaphotography) / Keegan Crasto (@keegancrasto) / Public Butter (@publicbutter)
Stylist: Bornali Cardeiraa (@bornalicaldeiraa)
Senior Art Director: Hemali Limbachiya (@hema_limbachiya)
Creative Producer: Suprit Parulkar (@supritparulkar)
Production: Pillai Home Production (@pillai_home__production )