Opening batter Shafali Verma has been recalled to the India team ahead of the Women’s World Cup semifinal against Australia in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. She joins the squad as Pratika Rawal’s replacement after the Delhi batter suffered an ankle injury.
The ICC confirmed the change on Monday after the Event Technical Committee approved Verma’s inclusion.
“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.
India bring back experienced opener Shafali Varma
Rawal injured her ankle during India’s final league match against Bangladesh at Navi Mumbai. She twisted her ankle while trying to stop a ball and did not bat in the second innings.
Verma, 21, brings international experience to the squad. She has played 29 ODIs for India and scored 644 runs, including four fifties, with a best of 71 not out. Her last ODI appearance came against New Zealand in October 2024.
Former chief selector Neetu David had earlier said that Verma was always in the team’s plans.
“Shafali Verma is very much part of our system. Right now, she is playing in Australia, but we are keeping an eye on her. The idea is that the more she plays, the more experience she gains, and that will help India in the future, especially in the 50-over format. We don’t want to make a lot of changes to the team,” David had said.
Verma has been in strong form recently. She scored 341 runs in nine matches for Haryana in the senior women’s T20 trophy, with two fifties and a hundred.
Her return could give India a powerful start in the powerplay. With her attacking style, Verma’s presence may also allow Smriti Mandhana to play her natural game and build a solid innings at the other end.
ALSO READ What happens if India vs Australia Semifinal gets washed out in Women’s ODI World Cup 2025?
