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India’s campaign at the has been struck by a massive setback, as opening batter Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the tournament following an ankle injury sustained while fielding near the boundary during the group-stage match against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai.
The injury occurred when Rawal twisted her ankle on the last ball of the 21st over while attempting to stop a boundary, a moment that silenced the crowd instantly. She was carried off the field and did not return to bat in the rain-affected chase, with Amanjot Kaur stepping in as a temporary opener alongside .
Women’s World Cup 2025: Pratika Rawal’s replacement ahead of semi-final match vs Australia
The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 approved Shafali Verma’s inclusion as a replacement after assessing India’s request ahead of the high-voltage semi-final clash against defending champions Australia, scheduled for Thursday, October 30. The committee, chaired by Wasim Khan and including Abey Kuruvilla, Mel Jones and Gaurav Saxena, confirmed that Rawal’s ankle and knee injury made her unavailable for the remainder of the tournament. This ruling follows a thorough medical evaluation by India’s physio team, who confirmed that Pratika would need weeks of rehabilitation before returning to full fitness.
Shafali’s selection was a strategic move, given her experience at the international level and her recent domestic form for Haryana in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, where she has piled up 341 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 182. The 21-year-old opener, known for her explosive starts, last represented India in ODIs in October 2024 against New Zealand. The decision to bring in Shafali, who was neither part of the main squad nor reserves, highlights the team’s desire for an experienced power-hitter to balance aggression with intent against Australia’s formidable bowling unit. The ICC’s confirmation ensures India enter the semi-final with a bolstered top order, albeit with a bittersweet sense of loss following Pratika’s untimely exit.
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Women’s World Cup 2025: Brings firepower and familiarity to India’s top order
Shafali’s comeback marks a significant moment in India’s World Cup journey, reuniting her with Smriti Mandhana at the top, a partnership known for fearlessly dismantling attacks in the powerplay. Despite being overlooked for the initial World Cup squad, Shafali’s domestic resurgence made her impossible to ignore. Her recent knock of 70 off 49 balls for India A against New Zealand A showcased her regained form and confidence.
With Pratika’s absence leaving a crucial gap, Shafali’s inclusion offers both attacking intent and familiarity with high-pressure encounters, having featured in 29 ODIs for India with four half-centuries to her name. Her ability to seize momentum early could be vital against Australia’s disciplined bowling trio of Megan Schutt, Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth.
Meanwhile, Rawal’s injury has been described as a ‘painful blow’ by insiders, given her stellar century against New Zealand earlier in the group stage, which had reignited hopes of India’s batting depth. As Rawal begins her recovery, the spotlight now turns to Shafali, who has the chance to script her redemption story on the grandest stage of them all.
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This article was first published at , a Cricket Times company.
