India’s campaign on ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Has suffered a major setback as an opening batsman Pratika Rawal Has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering an ankle injury while fielding near the boundary during the group-stage match against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai.
The injury occurred when Raval twisted his ankle attempting to block a four on the last ball of the 21st over, a moment that instantly silenced the crowd. She was taken off the field and did not return to bat during the rain-affected match Amanjot Kaur Stepping in as a temporary opening batsman Smriti Mandhana,
Women’s World Cup 2025: Pratika Raval’s replacement ahead of semi-final match vs Australia
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Event Technical Committee allowed Shafali Verma’s Included as a replacement after assessing India’s request ahead of the high-voltage semi-final clash against the defending champions AustraliaScheduled for Thursday, October 30. chairing the committee Wasim Khan and includes Abe Kuruvilla, Mel Jones And Gaurav Saxenaconfirmed that Raval’s ankle and knee injuries have made him unavailable for the remainder of the tournament. The decision comes after a thorough medical assessment by India’s physio team, which confirmed that Pratika will require weeks of rehabilitation before returning to full fitness.
Shafali’s selection was a strategic move given her experience at the international level and her recent domestic form for Haryana Senior Women’s T20 TrophyWhere he has scored 341 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 182. The 21-year-old opening batsman, known for his explosive starts, last represented India in an ODI against New Zealand in October 2024. The decision to bring in Shafali, who was neither part of the main squad nor the reserves, highlights the team’s desire for an experienced power-hitter to balance aggression with intent against Australia’s formidable bowling unit. The ICC confirmation ensures that India will enter the semi-finals with a strong top-order, even if they suffer a defeat after Pratika’s untimely exit.
Women’s World Cup 2025: Brings firepower and familiarity to India’s top order
Shafali’s return marks a significant moment in India’s World Cup journey, as she reconnects with Smriti Mandhana At the top, a partnership that is known to destroy attacks fearlessly in the powerplay. Despite being overlooked in the initial World Cup squad, Shafali’s domestic resurgence made her impossible to ignore. His recent innings of 70 off 49 balls for India A against New Zealand A shows his regained form and confidence.
With Pratika’s absence leaving a significant gap, Shafali’s inclusion provides both attacking intent and familiarity with high-pressure contests, having featured in 29 ODIs for India with four half-centuries. His ability to find rhythm early on could be crucial against Australia’s disciplined bowling trio Megan Schutt, Elise Perry And kim garth,
Meanwhile, insiders have described Raval’s injury as a ‘painful blow’ as it was his brilliant century against New Zealand in the group stage earlier that had rekindled hopes of India’s batting depth. As Rawal begins his recovery, the spotlight is now on Shafali, who has a chance to write her own redemption story on the grandest stage of them all.
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
