Sachin Tendulkar is my role model: Indian under-19 skipper Shafali Verma

The ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup 2023 is underway and the young 'Women in Blue' are geared up for a successful tournament. Sixteen teams vying for the coveted trophy.Shefali Verma, captain of the young Indian team, shared her thoughts about the game and the tournament .

Speaking exclusively on Star Sports show 'Follow the Blues', Shafali said: "I think nowadays, I like Livingstone's batting because he is hitting very well. And of course growing up, playing cricket, I used to watch Sachin Tendulkar sir. Sachin sir is also my role model and I loved to see him, how he played the game and he is very calm."

Shafali also talked about playing her first-ever Under-19 World Cup. "Of course, it is very good, it is my first and last, because it is my last year of the U-19, but of course very exciting. We have a good team, we are really enjoying with the girls and I hope we will play good cricket."

Shafali added that there is a difference between playing for the U-19 and the open category and how important the U-19 World Cup will be for growing and developing talented players.

"There is a lot of difference because the ball is coming in a little slow in the U-19 and the wicket is also in the slow end and we are trying to get used to that. Seamers have a good pace, a good mindset here also but they are all learning and I really enjoy playing with them."

Shafali spoke on what the mindset and strengths of Team India in the U-19 World Cup."I would say we are averaging well in batting, bowling and fielding. As a captain, I hope we win the world cup."

India is currently the table-topper in Group D, with two wins in two matches and a total of four points. Shafali has also led the Indian batting from the front, scoring a total of 123 runs in two matches at an average of 61.50, with one half-century and the best individual score of 78. Her strike rate is a massive 246.00. (ANI)