Update: Shafali Verma has taken the place of the injured Pratika Rawal in India's World Cup team

Shafali Verma has taken the place of the injured Pratika Rawal in India's World Cup team

Shafali Verma has been added to India’s Women’s World Cup squad as a late replacement for Pratika Rawal, who has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. Shafali, 21, is now available for India’s semi-final against Australia on October 30.

The selectors chose Shafali over Tejal Hasabnis, the only batter among India’s original reserves. When the squad was announced in August, Shafali was left out, and Rawal was picked to open with Smriti Mandhana. The decision was based on consistency, with the selectors opting for stability over Shafali’s attacking style.

Although Shafali hasn’t played an ODI for India since October 2024, she has been active in the 50-over format with India A. She scored 52 against Australia A in Brisbane and 70 against New Zealand A in Bengaluru. In domestic one-dayers for Haryana last December, she scored 527 runs at an average of 75.28 and a strike rate of 152.31, including a massive 197 off 115 balls against Bengal.

She also had a standout WPL 2025 season with Delhi Capitals, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer and the top Indian batter with 304 runs at a strike rate of 152.76.

Rawal’s injury came during India’s last league match against Bangladesh. While trying to stop a boundary in the 21st over, she twisted her ankle and couldn’t bat later. Amanjot Kaur opened in her place. That match was eventually washed out. Rawal had been India’s second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, with an average of 51.33 and key knocks of 75 against Australia and 122 against New Zealand.

Her partnership with Mandhana was crucial to India’s success, with two of the top five stands in the tournament 212 vs New Zealand and 155 vs Australia.

If Shafali doesn’t make the playing XI for the semi-final, India could consider Harleen Deol or Amanjot as openers. Uma Chetry, who opened in the warm-up match and played against Bangladesh when Richa Ghosh was injured, is another option. Jemimah Rodrigues, who has opened 18 times in ODIs, could also be considered.

Shafali’s inclusion was officially approved by the ICC Event Technical Committee, which includes Wasim Khan, Gaurav Saxena, Abey Kuruvilla, and Mel Jones.