The Indian team have been dealt a major blow as in-form opener Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of remainder of Women's ODI World Cup 2025. Rawal injured her knee and ankle while fielding in a dead rubber game against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai which ended in no result due to rain.
In Rawal’s absence, former Under-19 T20 World Cup-winning captain Shafali Verma has been named her replacement. The ICC approved the replacement ahead of the semifinal clash against defending champions Australia led by Alyssa Healy.
"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.
Verma was drafted in the squad ahead of Tejal Hasabnis who was one of the reserves for the mega event. The 21-year-old's last appearance in was against New Zealand in the ICC Women's World Cup warm-up matches. She scored 70 runs from just 49 balls in a successful run chase.
Verma’s ODI numbers
Verma who made her ODI debut in 2021, has played 29 ODIs so far. The young opener has scored 644 runs at an average of 21 and strike rate of 83.20. She has four half-centuries to her name. Against India's semifinal opponents Australia, she has scored 99 runs from five innings, including a half-century.
Rawal’s presence will be missed
Rawal and Smriti Mandhana’s opening pair has been exceptional. While Rawal plays the anchor role, Mandhana adopts a more aggressive approach. The The 25-year-old is the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament. She has scored 308 runs from six innings at an average of 51.33, featuring a century against New Zealand.
It will be interesting to see whether Verma opens alongside Mandhana. The team management also has the option to promote either Jemimah Rodrigues or Harleen Deol to the opening spot.