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New Delhi: Shafali Verma grabbed the opportunity of her sudden call-up to the India team before the Women's World Cup with both hands.
She replaced the injured Pratika Rawal before their semi-final against Australia and scored 87 runs and claimed 2/36 to help India win their maiden world title.
The 21-year-old was named player of the final as India beat South Africa by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai and was felicitated in Chandigarh on Sunday.
"The last one year was very tough for me. I faced a lot of struggles, but I kept working extremely hard and was rewarded by God for my effort," Shafali said.
"When I joined the Indian team ahead of the semifinal, I was determined to contribute to the World Cup victory. The final is always a big stage. Initially, I was a bit nervous, but I calmed myself, focused on my strategy, and executed it well. That helped me deliver an all-round performance."
The opener was warmly received in her hometown Rohtak and said only hard work is the way to achieve success.
"They should always put in the hard work in whatever field they may choose and also have self-belief, and results will follow," Shafali said.
After their victory, the Indian team was felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shafali is scheduled to meet Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini on November 12.
Haryana minister Krishan Kumar Bedi felicitated her in Rohtak.
"I was trying to stay calm and execute my plans and things went as per plan. The only thought was that we have to give it all in those seven hours for our country," she said on her plans before the final.
