Shafali Verma (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) Shafali Verma has been named as Pratika Rawal’s replacement in India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup ODI squad, just two days ahead of their semi-final match against Australia at the DY Patil Stadium. The 21-year-old, who was initially left out of the senior and reserve squads, was drafted in after Rawal was ruled out of the tournament due to knee and ankle injuries sustained during the last Indian League match against Bangladesh. The injury occurred in the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings when Rawal twisted her ankle trying to stop a boundary at deep mid-wicket. She immediately fell to the ground in pain and had to be helped by support staff. Scans later confirmed that the 25-year-old would not be fit for the rest of the World Cup.
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Rawal’s absence is a major blow to India’s campaign. She was one of the team’s most consistent players, scoring 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33, including a match-winning century against New Zealand and a vital 75 against Australia. Her opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana was the backbone of the Indian batting, the pair adding a record 212 runs against New Zealand at the start of the tournament. However, Shafali’s return offers India a spark of aggression at the top. The young opener has been in fine domestic and franchise form, scoring 527 runs in the one-day format for Haryana at an average of 75.28 and scoring 304 runs for Delhi Capitals at WPL 2025. Although she has not played an ODI for India since October 2024, her recent performances for New India A against Australia have been below the mark. With Rawal aside, India may also consider Amanjot Kaur or Harleen Deol to partner Mandhana if Shafali doesn’t sound immediately. The semi-final against Australia on October 30 now promises to be a real test of India’s depth and adaptability as they push for a place in the World Cup finals.
