Ravichandran Ashwin’s jinx ruins history! Shafali Verma cruelly denied chance to break Gautam Gambhir’s World Cup record

Ravichandran Ashwin’s jinx ruins history! Shafali Verma cruelly denied chance to break Gautam Gambhir’s World Cup record

Legendary Ravichandran Ashwin faces backlash for supposedly jinxing Shafali Verma in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 final

Indian cricket fans were left fuming as legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin faced heavy criticism for potentially jinxing the 21-year-old opening batter Shafali Verma during the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. The highly anticipated match between Team India and Team South Africa took place at the prestigious Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, November 2.

Shafali Verma shines in the World Cup final

Shafali Verma, a young and explosive batter from Haryana, has been making waves in women’s cricket. However, after a period of low performance, she was dropped from the Indian team by the BCCI selection committee. Determined to make a comeback, Verma received strict instructions to work on her batting skills and prove herself in domestic cricket.

Prior to the Women’s World Cup, Verma showcased her talent with impressive performances for India A. Despite her efforts, she was initially left out of the squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. However, a twist of fate occurred when an injury forced opener Pratika Rawal out of the tournament, leading to Verma’s recall.

Verma was thrust into the spotlight in the semi-final against Australia, where she showed promise but was unable to make a significant impact. In the final against South Africa, she put on a spectacular performance, displaying great form and a remarkable strike rate.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s alleged jinx

As Verma approached a potential century in the final, Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin took to social media to express his hope for a big score from the young batter. Ashwin’s post, mentioning a century from Verma, raised eyebrows among fans who believed it could have jinxed her performance.

Shortly after Ashwin’s post, Verma fell for 87 runs, just short of a century, to South African bowler Ayabonga Khaka. The timing of Ashwin’s tweet led to a wave of criticism towards the former Indian spinner, with many attributing Verma’s dismissal to the supposed jinx.

Verma’s record-breaking innings

Despite missing out on a century, Verma’s innings in the final broke records and made history. She became the youngest player, male or female, to score a fifty in an ODI World Cup final. Additionally, her 87 runs surpassed the likes of Virender Sehwag and Punam Raut for the highest score by an Indian in a Cricket World Cup final, falling just short of Gautam Gambhir’s record of 97 runs.

Reflecting on the match, India Women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur emphasized the team’s journey and the importance of unity and improvement. The team’s resilience and positive mindset were highlighted as key factors in their success throughout the tournament.

Overall, the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 was filled with excitement, drama, and controversy, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in women’s cricket.

Shafali Verma’s Journey to Redemption

Shafali Verma’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from Rohtak, Haryana, Verma’s cricketing journey began at a young age when she started playing with the boys in her neighborhood. Her aggressive style of play and fearlessness caught the attention of selectors, leading to her inclusion in the Indian women’s cricket team at just 15 years old.

Verma’s initial success on the international stage was met with high expectations, but a series of low scores and technical flaws saw her being dropped from the team. It was during this period of adversity that Verma displayed her resilience and determination to bounce back stronger. Working tirelessly on her game, she honed her skills in domestic cricket and made a strong case for her return to the national team.

Her recall to the squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 was a testament to her hard work and dedication. Despite facing criticism and doubts from some quarters, Verma silenced her critics with her explosive batting in the final, showcasing the immense talent that she possesses.

The Impact of Superstitions in Cricket

Superstitions have long been a part of cricket folklore, with players and fans alike attributing performances to various beliefs and omens. The concept of ‘jinxing’ or ‘Mauka Mauka’ is deeply ingrained in the cricketing community, where any mention of a player achieving a milestone or a team winning a match can sometimes be seen as tempting fate.

In the case of Ravichandran Ashwin’s tweet regarding Shafali Verma’s potential century, the backlash he faced highlights the superstitions prevalent in the sport. While some may dismiss it as mere coincidence, others firmly believe in the power of superstitions and the impact they can have on performance.

It is fascinating to see how these superstitions play out in cricket, adding an element of mystique and intrigue to the game. Whether it be wearing lucky charms, following specific routines, or avoiding certain actions, players often adhere to superstitions in the hopes of influencing the outcome in their favor.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Cricket

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 served as a platform to showcase the immense talent and potential of female cricketers from around the world. The tournament witnessed thrilling matches, outstanding individual performances, and moments of sheer brilliance that captivated audiences globally.

As the popularity of women’s cricket continues to grow, there is a renewed sense of optimism and excitement surrounding the future of the sport. Initiatives aimed at promoting women’s cricket, investing in grassroots development, and providing more opportunities for female cricketers are paving the way for greater inclusion and recognition in the game.

With talented players like Shafali Verma leading the charge, the future of women’s cricket looks bright. Their passion, skill, and determination are inspiring a new generation of aspiring cricketers, breaking barriers and redefining the standards of excellence in the sport.

As we reflect on the unforgettable moments of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, it is evident that women’s cricket is on an upward trajectory, poised for greater success and recognition on the world stage.

In conclusion, the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 not only showcased the talent and resilience of players like Shafali Verma but also highlighted the enduring appeal and growth of women’s cricket. As the sport continues to evolve and thrive, fans can look forward to more thrilling contests, memorable performances, and the inspiring stories of athletes who defy the odds and make their mark on the game.

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