Dashing opener Shafali Verma has been named as an injury replacement for the in-form Pratika Rawal ahead of India’s Women’s ODI World Cup semifinal against powerhouse Australia at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday (October 31, 2025). Pratika has been ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a right ankle injury during the rain-hit clash against Bangladesh at the same venue on Sunday (October 26, 2025).

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed Shafali’s inclusion in place of Pratika through a media release on Monday (October 27, 2025). Once Pratika’s ankle injury was deemed serious on Monday (October 27, 2025) morning, it was clear that either Tejal Hasabnis – named as a standby – or Shafali would be drafted into the squad.

The Hindu understands that the newly appointed selection panel, chaired by Amita Sharma, decided to go with Shafali in consultation with the team management. The selectors were keen to inject aggression at the top of the order against a strong Australian attack.

Shafali’s omission from the original squad by the previous Neetu David-led committee had raised eyebrows before the tournament, and her recall now marks a significant turnaround. Shafali, who was in Surat to represent Haryana in the Women’s T20 Trophy, joined the squad on Monday (October 27, 2025).

Pratika’s injury has come as a huge blow to India’s campaign. The opener has been one of the side’s standout performers, amassing 308 runs in six innings, making her the second-highest run-getter in the competition. Her flourishing partnership with Smriti Mandhana played a vital role in India’s march to the semifinals.

The injury occurred in the 21st over of Bangladesh’s curtailed innings when Pratika slipped on the wet outfield while attempting to save a second run. She appeared to have twisted her ankle and hurt her knee. Although a stretcher was brought onto the field, she managed to limp off with the support of her teammates.

India’s in-form opener Pratika Rawal is set to miss the knockout phase of the Women’s ODI World Cup after sustaining a right-leg injury during the rain-hit encounter against Bangladesh at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday (October 27, 2025).

The Hindu understands that Rawal was taken to a hospital within the stadium premises soon after limping off the field. While the detailed medical report and a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are awaited, a source confirmed on Monday that Rawal is unlikely to recover in time for the remainder of the tournament.

India faces defending champion Australia in a must-win semifinal at the same venue on Thursday. Should Rawal be ruled out, the team management may seek an injury replacement ahead of the high-stakes clash.

The incident occurred in the 21st over of Bangladesh’s curtailed innings when Rawal slipped on the wet outfield while attempting to prevent a second run. She appeared to have twisted her ankle and injured her knee. Although a stretcher was brought onto the field, Rawal opted to walk off with the support of her teammates.

“Team India all-rounder Pratika Rawal sustained an injury to her knee and ankle while fielding in the first innings against Bangladesh. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring her progress,” a BCCI spokesperson stated shortly after Amanjot Kaur walked out to open the innings alongside Smriti Mandhana in Rawal’s absence.

Rawal has been one of India’s standout performers this World Cup, amassing 308 runs from six innings, making her the second-highest run-getter in the tournament. Her prolific opening partnership with Mandhana has been instrumental in India’s campaign, and her absence could be a major blow ahead of the semifinals.