In a recent development, India Women’s team opener Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the remainder of the ICC ODI World Cup 2025 after suffering a serious injury. Shafali Verma, who was not part of the squad or reserves, has been named as her replacement ahead of the semifinal clash against Australia.
Pratika sustained a serious ankle injury during the final league match against Bangladesh while attempting to stop a second run on a damp outfield. She twisted her ankle and fell awkwardly. The opener chose to leave the field with the assistance of her teammates despite a stretcher being brought out.
Shafali Verma Replaces Pratika Rawal in India’s Squad for the Remainder of the World Cup
The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Monday that Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the Women’s Cricket World Cup. Shafali Verma has been named as her replacement in the squad ahead of the semifinal clash against defending champions Australia.
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“India’s opening batter Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 following an ankle injury that she sustained while fielding near the ropes, trying to prevent a boundary on the last ball of the 21st over,” the ICC stated in an official release.
“India have named Shafali Verma as her replacement with a big semi-final matchup scheduled against defending champions Australia on Thursday, 30 October,” the statement added.
Pratika Rawal’s Injury a Major Setback for India Ahead of Semifinal Against Australia
Pratika Rawal’s injury is a major setback for India ahead of their semifinal clash against Australia, scheduled to take place in Navi Mumbai on October 30. The opener has been in outstanding form throughout the tournament.
She is the second-highest run-scorer, with 308 runs in seven matches at an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 77.77. Rawal has delivered several crucial performances, including 75 against Australia in Visakhapatnam and a match-winning 122 against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai.
Her partnership with Smriti Mandhana has been equally vital to India’s success. The duo have consistently provided solid starts, featuring in two record stands, a 212-run partnership against New Zealand and a 155-run opening stand versus Australia.
Apart from her batting contributions, Rawal also made an impact with the ball, taking one wicket for 19 runs in the match against New Zealand. Her absence will be felt as India prepare for their high-stakes encounter against Australia.
Will Shafali Verma Walk Straight Into India’s Playing XI for the Semis?
The selectors chose Shafali Verma as Pratika Rawal’s replacement ahead of Tejal Hasabnis, who was the only reserve batter in the squad. Shafali has featured in 29 ODIs, scoring 644 runs at an average of 23.00 and a strike rate of 83.20, including four half-centuries.
She hasn’t played an ODI for India since October 2024, but the 21-year-old has remained active in the 50-over format through India A and domestic cricket. She impressed with scores of 52 against Australia A and 70 against New Zealand A.
The opener also amassed 527 runs at an average of 75.28 during the domestic one-day competition for Haryana. Notably, the team management will have to make a key decision on whether to bring Shafali straight into the XI against Australia or promote Harleen Deol to open the innings.
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