Mithali Raj: 'Shafali Verma can be the future player for India'

India's ODI captain Mithali Raj on Thursday lavished praise on 15-year-old Shafali Verma and said aggressive opener can serve women's team for a long time with proper grooming and exposure.

"I seriously think that she (Shafali) is a talented youngster. And given right kind of exposure and mentored properly, she can be future player for India," Mithali told PTI.

Shafali, who replaced recently retired Mithali in T20 squ, earned his maiden call-up for ongoing T20 series against South Africa. Though India won opening game in Surat, Shafali was dismissed for a duck. Mithali was speaking after anuncing second Skechers Performance Mumbai Walkathon at a press conference here. Marathon will be held on vember 24 in suburban Mal.

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Upcoming ODI series

She also said that she wants her ODI side to do well in upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa though it is t part of ICC Championship. ODI series will be played after ongoing five-match T20 series.

"Though we don't have ICC Championship points, I want ODI side to do well (in series against South Africa), it gives exposure to young players in team as well as match exposure for us before West Indies tour," said Mithali. w that Mithali will be only playing one format, she feels that she has more time to work on her fitness. "I have more time to work as a player on my skill in my fitness. I can give more importance to exclusively train on my strength and fitness sessions, which can help me come fresh for ODI series," ded Mithali.

Mithali explained her fitness routine. "My fitness routine consists of running, strength and of course walking, because at times when we don't have access to facilities, simplest thing to do is to walk for 30-45 minutes, because in way it helps to decrease stiffness or tightness that an athlete develops through strenuous days of play or after a long flight," she signed off.

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