India Adds Shafali Verma for Injured Pratika Rawal in 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup Semi-Final

India's Women's Cricket team has replaced the injured Pratika Rawal with Shafali Verma ahead of their crucial 2025 Women's ODI World Cup semi-final against Australia. Rawal sustained a severe ankle injury while fielding against Bangladesh, ruling her out of the tournament; she was the second-highest run-scorer with 308 runs at an average of 51.33. Verma, initially omitted from the World Cup squad due to lack of form, has been performing well in domestic cricket and India A matches recently, prompting the International Cricket Council's approval for her inclusion. Although Verma has not played an ODI for India since October 2024, her overall WODI record includes 644 runs in 29 innings, indicating her potential to strengthen India's batting lineup. This change represents a significant shift for India as they prepare to face Australia in the semi-final, with Verma now a key contender for an opening spot alongside Smriti Mandhana. Other options for the opening position include Amanjot Kaur, Uma Chetry, and Jemimah Rodrigues.