Shafali Verma says India will play fearless cricket with smartness ahead of Champions Trophy

India vice-captain Shafali Verma said the team will play a fearless brand of cricket with smartness in the upcoming series against Zimbabwe. She made the comments ahead of the three-match T20I series that begins in Raipur on Friday as preparation for the Women's Champions Trophy at home in February.

Verma credited former captain Harmanpreet Kaur for the growth of women's cricket in India. She also spoke about the work she did during her time out of the team last year on consistency, fitness, mental growth and specific skills such as playing short balls and pull shots.

Smriti Mandhana will captain the side across formats after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down. Deepti Sharma is the ODI vice-captain while Verma serves as T20I deputy.