Navi Mumbai, Oct 27 (NationPress) Opener Shafali Verma has been officially named as the replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal in India’s squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, as confirmed by the ICC on Monday.

The ICC’s Event Technical Committee has approved this change after Rawal was ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury incurred while fielding during India’s last league match against Bangladesh on Sunday.

“The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has sanctioned Shafali Verma as a replacement for Pratika Rawal in the India squad,” the ICC statement elaborated.

Shafali, who was not included in India’s initial squad or reserves, will join the team in preparation for the semi-final against Australia in Navi Mumbai on October 30 and will be eligible for selection immediately.

Her inclusion adds an intriguing twist to India’s campaign, especially considering the selectors opted for Pratika as Smriti Mandhana’s opening partner over Shafali, emphasizing the importance of consistency. The 21-year-old last featured in an ODI for India in October 2024, but has demonstrated excellent form both domestically and in India A matches. She scored 52 runs against Australia A in Brisbane in August and followed it up with 70 against New Zealand A in Bengaluru in September.

During the 2024–25 domestic one-day season for Haryana, Shafali amassed 527 runs at an impressive average of 75.28 and a strike rate of 152.31, highlighted by a stunning 197 off 115 balls against Bengal. Her successful run continued in the WPL 2025, where she emerged as the leading Indian batter for Delhi Capitals, accumulating 304 runs at a strike rate of 152.76.

However, Pratika’s absence poses a significant challenge for India. The 25-year-old was the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, amassing 308 runs in six innings, including a match-winning 122 against New Zealand and 75 against Australia.

India is set to face Australia in the semi-final on October 30.