🏏 Shafali Verma Replaces Injured Pratika Rawal in India’s ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Squad

In a major development ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, Team India has named Shafali Verma as the replacement for injured all-rounder Pratika Rawal, who has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. The decision was announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday, just days before India’s crucial group-stage clash against South Africa in Mumbai.

This unexpected change has added a new twist to India’s World Cup campaign — a mix of heartbreak for Rawal and a golden opportunity for Shafali, one of India’s most explosive batters.

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⚡ A Sudden Setback for Pratika Rawal

Pratika Rawal’s injury came as a huge blow to the Indian side. The young all-rounder, who was making her World Cup debut, twisted her ankle awkwardly during a fielding session at the Wankhede Stadium. Initial scans revealed ligament damage, and team doctors later confirmed she would be ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

Team India coach Amol Muzumdar expressed disappointment at the loss:

“It’s unfortunate for Pratika. She was in good form and added great balance to our side. But injuries are part of sport — we back her to recover strong.”

Rawal’s absence leaves a hole in India’s middle order and bowling rotation. Her ability to deliver tight overs and provide lower-order runs had given the team crucial flexibility in earlier matches.

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🌟 The Return of Shafali Verma

Replacing her is none other than Shafali Verma, one of the most recognized names in women’s cricket. Known for her fearless batting and ability to dominate bowlers from the first ball, Shafali brings power, experience, and aggression to India’s top order.

At just 21, Shafali already boasts a remarkable career — debuting for India at 15, playing across all formats, and being part of the team’s landmark wins in the 2023 T20 World Cup and the Asian Games gold campaign.

Sources within the BCCI say Shafali had been training with the standby squad in Bengaluru and was immediately flown to Mumbai after the injury announcement.

“Shafali brings a natural attacking instinct. Her inclusion adds depth and energy to the batting lineup,” said former India captain Mithali Raj on Star Sports’ coverage.

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🇮🇳 India’s Campaign So Far

India’s World Cup 2025 run has been a rollercoaster — two wins, one loss, and plenty of talking points. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has led from the front, while Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh have been consistent performers with the bat.

However, middle-order stability has been a challenge. With Pratika Rawal out, the selectors hope Shafali’s explosive starts can take the pressure off the middle order and allow Harmanpreet to anchor innings more effectively.

The timing of Shafali’s inclusion couldn’t be better — India faces South Africa, followed by a must-win fixture against New Zealand to secure a semifinal berth.

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💪 Expert Opinions and Fan Buzz

Cricket analysts are calling this move a “calculated gamble.” Shafali’s aggressive approach has the power to turn games in a matter of overs — but it can also come with risks.

“If Shafali clicks, India could dominate the powerplay. But she needs to balance aggression with maturity,” said commentator Anjum Chopra.

Fans, however, are ecstatic. Social media exploded with excitement following the BCCI announcement, with #ShafaliReturns trending within minutes.

“The lioness is back. Time to light up the World Cup!” — one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).

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🏆 The Bigger Picture

This change highlights the strength and depth of India’s women’s cricket ecosystem. From domestic leagues like the WPL (Women’s Premier League) to international tournaments, India now boasts a bench of world-class talent ready to step up when called.

While the injury to Pratika Rawal is unfortunate, Shafali’s comeback has reignited India’s campaign narrative — from survival to resurgence.

As the Women’s World Cup 2025 enters its decisive phase, all eyes will be on Mumbai when Shafali Verma walks out to open — fearless, fiery, and ready to remind the world why she’s one of the most exciting batters in modern cricket.

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