Shafali Verma Replaces Injured Pratika Rawal For India

In a significant turn of events before the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final, Shafali Verma has been added to India’s team as a replacement for Pratika Rawal, who has been sidelined by an ankle injury.

The 21-year-old opener, who was initially left out of both the main 15 and the reserve list, will now be available for selection when India take on Australia on October 30. According to the ICC, Shafali’s inclusion was approved by the Event Technical Committee on Monday evening.

Pratika Rawal Ruled Out After Ankle Injury

India’s in-form opener and the tournament’s second-highest scorer of runs, Pratika Rawal, injured her ankle while fielding during India’s last league match against Bangladesh.

Twisting her ankle in an attempt to stop a boundary during the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings, Rawal did not come out to bat. Amanjot Kaur took her place to open. The match was eventually abandoned without a result because of rain.

Rawal’s injury comes as a big setback for India she has played a crucial role in their campaign, developing a prolific opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana. The pair compiled two of the event’s top five partnerships:

212 runs against New Zealand

155 runs against Australia

Rawal scored 51.33 in six innings, including a match-winning 122 against New Zealand and a flowing 75 against Australia.

Why Shafali Verma Was Selected as Replacement

Although left out of the initial World Cup team, Shafali Verma was the selectors’ first preference to take Rawal’s place. The move was made after considering her consistent good form in all formats, particularly in domestic and India A games.

Shafali was the popular choice over Tejal Hasabnis, the only other reserve batter in the World Cup squad. Shafali’s aggressive batting style and her experience at the top of the order mean that she is a ready-made replacement for Rawal.

Shafali Verma’s Latest Form

Although she last wore the tricolor of India in ODI format in October 2024, Shafali Verma has been in great form lately for India A and in the domestic circuit representing Haryana.

Her recent performances are as follows:

52 against Australia A (Brisbane, August 2025)

70 against New Zealand A (Bengaluru, September 2025)

527 runs in the 2024-25 domestic one-day coodtion at an average of 75.28 and a strike rate of 152.31, including an incredible 197 off 115 balls against Bengal

Shafali Sharma was also fantastic for Delhi Capitals in the WPL 2025 season, scoring 304 runs at a strike rate of 152.76, being the highest scoring Indian batter in the league.

India’s Possible Opening Combinations for the Semi-Final

If Shafali Verma does not walk right into the playing XI, India have a few other opening options to choose from in the semi-final against Australia. They include:

Harleen Deol or Amanjot Kaur – both capable of stepping up to the top.

Uma Chetry, who opened in the warm-up game and replaced Richa Ghosh (injured) in the Bangladesh match.

Jemimah Rodrigues, who has opened 18 times in ODIs previously and provides flexibility at the top.

However, given her recent form and aggressive intent, Shafali’s inclusion could give India the attacking edge they need in a knockout clash.

Official Clearance by ICC Technical Committee

The ICC validated that the inclusion of Shafali Verma was approved by the Event Technical Committee, comprising:

Wasim Khan (Chair, ICC General Manager – Cricket)

Gaurav Saxena (ICC General Manager – Events & Corporate Communications)

Abey Kuruvilla (BCCI Tournament Director)

Mel Jones (Independent nominee)

The clearance makes Shafali officially eligible to play in the Women’s World Cup semi-final and onward.

Shafali Verma’s Return: A Boost for India’s World Cup Hopes

Having Shafali Verma in the team is a game-changer for India, and they are intent on winning their first Women’s World Cup title. She has the power to hit out and is dynamic and proactive as an opening batter and may just be the answer to the absence of Pratika Rawal.

She might be the spark that ignites the Indian team if she sparkles in the semi-final, giving them the momentum to take on defending champions Australia and make it to the final.