Shafali Verma was born on January 28, 2004, in Rohtak, Haryana, into a modest yet supportive family. Her father, Sanjeev Verma, a jewelry repair worker and former wrestler, instilled a fighting spirit, while her mother, Parveen Bala, a teacher, emphasized discipline and education. Shafali also has an older brother, Sahil, and a younger sister.
From the age of five, Shafali displayed a natural talent for cricket. Playing in boys-only sessions, she adopted a cropped haircut at age six to blend in and focus on her game, a choice that symbolized her determination to break gender barriers. Balancing school and cricket, she completed her 10th standard while dedicating herself to rigorous training under her father’s guidance.
Quick Facts of Shafali Verma
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shafali Verma |
| Date of Birth | January 28, 2004 |
| Place of Birth | Rohtak, Haryana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5′3″ (1.60 m) |
| Batting Style | Right-hand batter |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm offbreak |
| Role | Opening Batter |
| Domestic/Franchise | Haryana, Delhi Capitals (WPL), London Spirit (The Hundred) |
| Notable Achievements | Youngest Indian T20I debutant (15), ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 captain, over 1,500 T20I runs by 2025 |
| Awards | ICC Women’s Emerging Cricketer 2020, Arjuna Award 2021 |
| Net Worth | ₹10–12 crore ($1.2–1.5 million) |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Family | Father: Sanjeev Verma, Mother: Parveen Bala, Older brother: Sahil, Younger sister |
Cricket Career and Key Milestones
Early Beginnings
Shafali began playing competitive cricket locally in Haryana at age six. By 2017, she made her domestic debut for Haryana in the Women’s One-Day League. Her explosive strokeplay drew attention and quickly earned her a spot in India’s Under-19 squads.
Rise to International Fame
In 2019, at just 15 years and 140 days, Shafali became the youngest Indian T20I debutant, scoring a boundary off her second ball against South Africa. Her fearless batting style—high backlift, aggressive pulls, and rapid scoring—earned her the nickname “Smashali.”
Records and Achievements
- First Indian woman to reach 1,000 T20I runs at age 18 (2022).
- Led India to victory in the 2023 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scoring 172 runs in the tournament.
- Multiple Player of the Series awards and ICC recognition as Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2020.
- Played for Delhi Capitals in the WPL, securing a ₹2 crore contract and contributing crucial half-centuries.
- Represented London Spirit in The Hundred, gaining international franchise exposure.
Playing Style and Strengths
Shafali is a right-handed opening batter known for aggressive strokeplay and fearless approach. She bowls right-arm offbreak as a secondary skill. Her tactical maturity, leadership qualities, and high strike rate make her a pivotal player in both domestic leagues and international matches.
Her mentors, including WV Raman, have emphasized consistency and mental strength, helping her transform from a teen prodigy to a mature leader.
Personal Life and Relationships
At 21, Shafali is single and focused on her cricket career. She maintains a private personal life, with her family serving as her primary support system. Her bond with her father, who guided her early training, and her brother Sahil, who provided emotional encouragement, has been central to her growth.
Shafali’s off-field life includes time at home in Rohtak, reconnecting with family and grounding herself amidst international travel and tournaments. Her Hindu roots and family-centered values are evident in festival celebrations and social media posts.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Shafali Verma’s net worth is approximately ₹10–12 crore ($1.2–1.5 million).
Income Sources:
- BCCI Grade B central contract (~₹30 lakh/year).
- Match fees: ₹15 lakh per ODI, ₹6 lakh per T20I.
- WPL franchise contract: ₹2 crore with Delhi Capitals.
- Endorsements: Nike, Muthoot Finance, JSW Sports.
She maintains a practical lifestyle, investing earnings in family welfare, cricket training, and modest assets rather than luxury.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- Maintained a cropped haircut since age 6 to play in boys’ cricket sessions.
- Nicknamed “Smashali” for her power-hitting style.
- Enjoys listening to A.R. Rahman before innings.
- Ambidextrous thrower, a skill developed in backyard cricket.
- First Indian woman to score a half-century in ODIs under 16.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Shafali contributes quietly to grassroots women’s cricket, donating kits to academies and hosting free clinics for young girls. She supports gender equity programs and has promoted heart health awareness after her father’s 2024 heart attack.
Her influence is already transforming Indian women’s cricket, inspiring increased participation and shaping the next generation of openers globally.
Current Status and Future Outlook
As of October 2025, Shafali was recalled to India’s Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final squad, demonstrating her enduring relevance after earlier setbacks.
Looking ahead, she aims to:
- Secure a permanent opening spot in India’s senior squad.
- Lead India in future ICC tournaments.
- Continue growing as a role model for young cricketers, both in India and internationally.
Her journey from Rohtak’s dusty grounds to global cricketing stages symbolizes resilience, talent, and ambition—a legacy still being written.
