India’s Women’s World Cup campaign hit a damp note after star opener Pratika Rawal was ruled out with injury. With the semifinal against Australia just days away, BCCI is likely to draft Shafali Verma as a late replacement. Shafali was ignored for the initial Women’s World Cup 2025 squad but could still play a huge part in India’s hunt for a maiden crown.
“The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has approved Shafali Verma as a replacement for Pratika Rawal in the India squad. Verma was named as a replacement after Rawal was ruled out after sustaining an injury to her right ankle while fielding in the league match against Bangladesh on Sunday. The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad,” an ICC press release said.
Shafali set for World Cup gig after Pratika injury
As per Times of India’s Gaurav Gupta, BCCI will likely draft Shafali Verma as a replacement for Pratika Rawal. Pratika Rawal had displayed sensational form in the Women’s World Cup 2025, and had scored 122 against New Zealand recently. She even chipped in with a wicket as India confirmed their spot in the semifinal.
On Sunday, Pratika’s right foot got stuck in the ground and got twisted in clash against Bangladesh. Such was her condition that she had to be helped off the field. As expected, Pratika didn’t come out to open the batting alongside Smriti Mandhana when India started the 126-run chase against Bangladesh. Later, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided an update as well.
Pratika’s injury was later revealed to be serious enough to rule her out of the tournament. India opened with Amanjot Kaur in Pratika’s absence. The BCCI are contemplating bringing Shafali Verma into the squad. She was not in reserves for the tournament, with Tejal Hasabnis picked ahead. However given the high stakes, India seem to be pivoting to the experienced India batter.
