Former India coach WV Raman believes that Shafali Veram’s hard-hitting abilities naturally push the young opener for a place in both the ODIs and Tests. Verma has been a prolific T20I batter and Raman feels that demoralising the bowling attack early on, for which the Haryana girl is known, is as important in Tests and ODIs as it is in T20Is.
"If a batter goes on to psychologically demoralise the opposition bowlers in the first 45 minutes to one hour, I would take that any day in any format," Raman was quoted as saying to Sports Today.
The 52-year-old then explained why the 17-year-old opener is important in Tests too, especially in foreign conditions where the teams are reluctant to bat first.
“If you have someone in your side who can go out…some players are like that, they don't care what the conditions are, who they are up against, they would back themselves and they'll go after the bowlers and demoralise them," Raman said.
The former India and Tamil Nadu player was further asked if having a finisher in an ODI game was more important than having an explosive opener? To this Raman replied, "If they can find somebody who can do that from 35-50 overs, have them in the side, and have Shafali also in the side, why restrict yourself to either Shafali Verma or somebody at the bottom? Just have as many bazookas as you can and launch them mercilessly."
The Indian eves are going to play two Tests in a single year as with the imminent England Test, a Test was announced by Jay Shah the honorary secretary of BCCI. The second Test will be a day-night affair and played in Australia at the WACA. It is after a very long long time that an Indian Women's team would be playing two Tests in the same year.
Raman in an interview with Sportstar was asked if it is the right time for BCCI to push for more Tests for India Women? The Chennai born replied, “There is no such thing as the right timing or whatever.” “When obviously the girls are doing well and there is a lot of interest being generated, I think perhaps the administration feels that it is the right time to try and engage them in the Test format,” he added.
The Indian eves will play their first Test in seven-year when they take on England Women in one-off games in Bristol starting June 16.