Shafali Verma Rushed Into India WC Semifinal Squad

Shafali Verma is back in the mix—and just in time for a World Cup semifinal. In a dramatic late twist ahead of India’s high-stakes clash against Australia in the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, the explosive opener has been drafted into the playing squad following an injury to Pratika Rawal .

Table of Contents

• Last-Minute Call-Up Explained
• Shafali Sweats It Out in High-Stakes Nets
• Richa Ghosh Cleared to Keep Wickets
• What Shafali’s Inclusion Means for Team India
• Sources

Last-Minute Call-Up Explained

With just days to go before the semifinal showdown in Dubai, India’s selectors made a swift move after Pratika Rawal sustained an injury during training. Though Rawal’s role was primarily as a reserve batter, her unavailability opened the door for Shafali Verma—a player of immense talent but recent inconsistency .

The 21-year-old, known for her fearless strokeplay at the top of the order, wasn’t originally in the final 15 for the knockout stage. Her inclusion now adds a wildcard element to India’s batting lineup as they aim to topple the defending champions, Australia.

Shafali Sweats It Out in High-Stakes Nets

Eyewitnesses at the team’s practice session reported that Shafali trained with unusual intensity, facing simulated Australian pace and spin under match-like conditions. She was seen working closely with batting coach Shiv Sunder Das on tempering her aggression without losing her trademark explosiveness .

“She looked focused, not frantic,” a team insider shared anonymously. “There’s a quiet determination in her eyes this time—like she knows this is her moment.”

Richa Ghosh Cleared to Keep Wickets

In another boost for the Indian camp, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh showed no signs of discomfort during the session, despite nursing a finger injury sustained in the quarterfinal against South Africa. She took full part in glovework drills and even batted in the middle order, signaling she’s fully match-fit .

Her availability is critical—not just for her sharp keeping behind the stumps but also for her finishing prowess with the bat, a role that could prove decisive in a tight semifinal.

What Shafali’s Inclusion Means for Team India

Shafali Verma’s potential return to the XI reshapes India’s opening strategy. If selected, she’s likely to partner Smriti Mandhana, creating a left-right combo capable of taking on Australia’s new-ball bowlers like Darcie Brown and Megan Schutt.

However, her recent form—scoring just 89 runs in her last 6 ODIs at an average of 14.83—raises valid questions . The coaching staff must weigh her match-winning potential against the risk of an early collapse.

Still, in knockout cricket, sometimes you need a spark—and Shafali has never been short of that.

Sources

• Times of India: Shafali Verma toils in nets as India prep for Australia semifinal
• ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Official Site
• Shafali Verma – ESPNcricinfo Profile & Stats