Shafali Verma Replaces Injured Pratika Rawal in India’s World Cup Squad

India opener Shafali Verma has been drafted into India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 squad as a late replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal. The 21-year-old, who was not part of the original squad or the reserves, is now available for India’s semi-final clash against Australia on October 30.

Rawal sustained a knee and ankle injury during India’s final league-stage game against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai, forcing her to leave the field in the 21st over. Attempting to stop a boundary, she twisted her right ankle and did not return to bat. She was India’s second-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 308 runs in six innings, including a match-winning 122 against New Zealand and 75 against Australia.

Shafali’s call-up marks a significant comeback. She last played an ODI for India in October 2024 but has been in strong form for India A and in domestic cricket. The explosive opener scored 52 against Australia A in Brisbane in August and 70 against New Zealand A in Bengaluru in September.

Her domestic record has been equally impressive. In the 2024–25 one-day season, she piled up 527 runs at an average of 75.28 and a strike rate of 152.31 for Haryana, including a blistering 197 off 115 balls against Bengal. She carried that form into the 2025 Women’s Premier League, where she was the most prolific Indian batter for Delhi Capitals, scoring 304 runs at a strike rate of 152.76.

When the World Cup squad was announced in August, the selectors had opted for Rawal over Shafali, prioritizing consistency over flair. However, with Rawal’s untimely injury, Shafali could now slot straight into the playing XI alongside Smriti Mandhana, reviving a partnership known for its aggression at the top.

India will hope Shafali’s attacking instincts can compensate for the loss of Rawal, who, along with Mandhana, featured in two of the tournament’s top five partnerships — 212 against New Zealand and 155 against Australia.

If India choose not to field Shafali immediately, other opening options include Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Uma Chetry, or Jemimah Rodrigues, who has previously opened 18 times in ODIs.

The ICC Event Technical Committee approved Shafali’s inclusion on Monday evening. The committee comprised Wasim Khan (Chair, ICC General Manager – Cricket), Gaurav Saxena (ICC General Manager – Events & Corporate Communications), Abey Kuruvilla (BCCI Tournament Director), and Mel Jones (Independent nominee).

Shafali’s return adds both firepower and experience to India’s top order as they prepare for their high-stakes semi-final against Australia.