Shafali Verma Joins India’s World Cup Squad as Pratika Rawal Ruled Out with Injury

Navi Mumbai | October 28, 2025 In a crucial change ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-finals, India have drafted in young opener Shafali Verma as a replacement for Pratika Rawal, who has been sidelined due to an ankle injury. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the update on Sunday, marking a significant reshuffle for the Indian side as they gear up for the knockout stages of the tournament. Rawal sustained the injury during India’s final group-stage match against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai. While fielding, she twisted her ankle awkwardly and was immediately taken off the field for medical assessment. The game, later disrupted by rain, saw her unable to take the crease during India’s chase, which was eventually abandoned. The setback is a major blow for India, given Rawal’s consistent performances and pivotal contributions throughout the tournament. The 25-year-old has been in stellar form, amassing 308 runs in six innings at an impressive average of 51.33 — second only to Smriti Mandhana, who leads the team’s batting charts with 365 runs. Rawal’s dependable batting in the middle order has been one of India’s strongest assets, and her calm presence under pressure played a crucial role in several of the team’s victories. Notably, her composed innings against New Zealand in the penultimate group match proved decisive in securing India’s place in the semi-finals. Since making her international debut in December 2024, Rawal has rapidly risen through the ranks, accumulating 703 runs from 14 innings at an average of 54.07. Her technical precision and maturity beyond her years have drawn praise from both teammates and critics, establishing her as one of India’s most promising batting talents. Her injury, therefore, comes as a major setback at a critical juncture in India’s campaign. In her place, India have called up the dynamic 21-year-old Shafali Verma, who brings power, flair, and aggression to the top order. Verma, known for her explosive stroke play, last appeared in an ODI over a year ago but has since made a strong case for a comeback with impressive recent performances. She was among the standout batters in the T20I series against England earlier this year, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer. Her return to form continued during India A’s 50-over tour of Australia, where she struck a brisk half-century and demonstrated renewed maturity in her approach. Shafali’s inclusion adds depth and flexibility to the Indian batting lineup ahead of the high-pressure semi-final clash. While filling Rawal’s shoes will be no easy task, her aggressive batting style could offer India a much-needed attacking edge in the top order. With the knockout stage looming, India will be banking on Shafali’s fearless intent and the collective experience of the squad to maintain their momentum in pursuit of the World Cup title. As the tournament narrows down to its final stages, India’s campaign continues to blend resilience with adaptability — traits that could define their path to glory in the 2025 World Cup. Shafali Verma Replaces Injured Pratika Rawal in India’s World Cup Squad India have named Shafali Verma as a replacement for Pratika Rawal, who has been ruled out of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 due to an ankle injury sustained during the match against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai. Rawal, one of India’s standout performers with 308 jruns in six innings, played a key role in securing the team’s semi-final berth. Shafali, 21, returns to the ODI setup after a year, having recently regained form with strong performances against England and during India A’s tour of Australia.