Who is Verma and Why is He Replacing Rawal in India's Semi-Final Squad?

Shafali Verma has been called up to replace the injured Pratika Rawal for India's Women's World Cup semi-final against Australia on 30 October 2025. Verma, who has 644 runs across 29 ODI innings at an average of 23, steps in after Rawal sustained an ankle injury while fielding during India's last group match against Bangladesh.

Last updated: 30 October 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

India's women's cricket team is facing a significant change ahead of their crucial semi-final match against Australia. The injury to opener Pratika Rawal has opened the door for Shafali Verma, who has not played in ODIs since October 2024, to make her return. Rawal was forced to exit the field during the final group stage match against Bangladesh, where she was unable to bat due to a twisted ankle sustained while attempting to stop a boundary.

Key takeaways

Shafali Verma replaces Pratika Rawal in the squad for the World Cup semi-final.
Rawal was the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 308 runs at an average of 51.33.
Verma has been playing 50-over cricket for India A recently but has not participated in ODIs since 2024.

Timeline: how we got here

Here's a brief overview of key dates leading up to this semi-final match:

30 October 2025: Pratika Rawal injured during the match against Bangladesh, leading to her replacement by Shafali Verma.
October 2024: Shafali Verma last played an ODI for India.
29 October 2025: India finishes group stage with a strong performance, securing a place in the semi-finals.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of Shafali Verma's inclusion in the squad is a crucial update for the Indian women's team as they prepare for their semi-final clash with Australia. This change comes at a pivotal time when the team seeks to maintain momentum after a successful group stage.

What was already established

Prior to this change, Pratika Rawal had established herself as a key player, ranking as the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament. Her absence creates a gap in the batting lineup that Verma will need to fill effectively.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The semi-final match is generating interest among cricket fans in the UK, with many following the tournament closely. Fans can expect to see highlights and commentary on BBC platforms, enhancing their viewing experience.

Businesses and jobs

As the tournament progresses, local businesses, especially those related to sports and hospitality, may see increased activity and sales due to heightened interest in the game.

Policy and regulation

With the ICC's approval of Verma's inclusion, it highlights the governing body's responsiveness to teams' needs amid injuries, ensuring that the competition maintains its integrity and excitement.

Numbers that matter

308: Runs scored by Pratika Rawal in the tournament, making her the second-highest run-scorer.
51.33: Rawal's average, showcasing her crucial role in India's batting order.
644: Total runs scored by Shafali Verma in ODIs, with an average of 23.

Definitions and jargon buster

ODI: One Day International, a format of limited overs cricket where each team faces a set number of overs, typically 50.
ICC: International Cricket Council, the global governing body for cricket.
World Cup: A prestigious international competition in cricket, held every four years for both men's and women's teams.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Verma will need to acclimatise quickly to the pressures of the semi-final match against Australia, adjusting to the team's dynamics and strategies.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Should India progress to the final, Verma's performance will be crucial in determining the team's success. This could also impact her selection for future series and tournaments.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics of Shafali Verma in the semi-final against Australia.
Injury updates on Pratika Rawal and her potential recovery timeline.
Match results and the overall performance of the Indian women's team in the World Cup.

Practical guidance

Do

Support the Indian women's team by following their matches and updates.
Engage with local cricket communities to share insights and discussions about the tournament.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of player injuries on team dynamics and performance.
Ignore the potential for emerging players like Verma to change the course of a match.

Checklist

Monitor the performance of Verma in the semi-final.
Stay updated on injury news for team members.
Check local listings for match broadcasts and commentary.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the inclusion of Shafali Verma is a strategic move, uncertainties remain regarding her match fitness and ability to perform under pressure. Given that she has not played in ODIs for over a year, her readiness to step into this high-stakes environment is a key concern. Additionally, the impact of Rawal's absence on team morale and performance remains to be seen as the semi-final approaches.

Bottom line

India's decision to call up Shafali Verma in place of the injured Pratika Rawal could prove pivotal in their Women's World Cup semi-final against Australia. As the team prepares for this crucial match, the dynamics will shift, and Verma's performance will be crucial to India's chances of progressing to the final.

FAQs

Who is Shafali Verma?

Shafali Verma is a young Indian cricketer with 644 runs in 29 ODI innings. She has been called up to replace Pratika Rawal for the World Cup semi-final against Australia.

Why did Pratika Rawal miss the semi-final?

Pratika Rawal sustained an ankle injury while fielding in India's last group match against Bangladesh, preventing her from participating in the semi-final.

What impact does Rawal's injury have on the team?

Rawal's injury removes a key performer, as she was the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament. Her absence may affect team morale and batting stability.