ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Shafali Verma Replaces Injured Pratika Rawal In India Squad

India women cricket team suffered a major blow during the final league match of the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup 2025 against Bangladesh on October 26 in Navi Mumbai.

It was during the first innings of the match when India's in-form opener Pratika Rawal injured her knee and ankle. As a result, she has been ruled out of the remainder of the Women's World Cup after an official announcement from BCCI.

21-year oled Shafali Verma, who last played an ODI a year ago, was named Rawal's replacement. "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," said the ICC in a statement.

How Did The Injury Happen?

The 25-year old's right foot got stuck into the turf on the final ball of the 21st over as she ran in from deep midwicket to stop the ball, and collapsed immediately while grimacing in pain. Indian players ran towards their teammate while a stretcher was also taken to the spot, but Rawal walked off the field with assistance from the support staff.

Rawal has been in stellar form throughout the tournament, amassing 308 runs from six innings at an average of 51.33. She is currently the second highest run-scorer in the tournament sitting just behind her fellow openeing partner Smriti Mandhana.

Also Read: Top Scorers, Most Centuries, Highest Wicket-Takers In ICC Women's World Cup 2025

She hit her maiden World Cup century in the game against New Zealand. In the process, she also became the joint-fastest to 1000 runs in women's ODIs. Rawal has also forged a prolific alliance with Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order.

India's Preparation For High-Voltage Semifinal Clash Against Australia

India are set to take on defending champions Australia in the semifinal on Thursday while the final is scheduled for Sunday. The hard-hitting Verma could be drafted straightaway into the playing eleven. The 21-year-old opener has a modest ODI record, tallying 644 runs in 29 games at an average of 23. Inconsistency had cost Shafali her place in the ODI side though she retained it in the shortest format.

There are also doubts over Richa Ghosh's fitness as well. The wicketkeeper batter had sustained a blow to her finger against New Zealand and subsequently sat out the Bangladesh match.

With PTI Inputs...