With right exposure and proper mentoring, Shafali Verma can be a future star, says Mithali Raj

After Mithali called time on her T20I career, the Indian selectors turned to the 15-year-old sensation to replace her for the ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa. Though Shafali was dismissed for a duck during India’s 11-run win the opening match, Mithali has high hopes for her future.

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

Mithali will join her teammates for the three-match ODI series that will follow after the T20Is. Although it is not part of the ICC Championship, India’s ODI captain wants the team to perform to their best.

"Though we don't have the ICC Championship points, I want the ODI side to do well (in the series against South Africa), it gives exposure to the young players in the team as well as match exposure for us before the West Indies tour," Mithali said.

In the interim, the 36-year-old finds plenty of time to keep her fitness levels up to the mark during the twilight years of her career.

"I have more time to work as a player, on my skill and on my fitness. I can give more importance to exclusively train on my strength and fitness sessions, which can help me come fresh for the ODI series," she said.

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