Pratika Rawal Ruled Out, Shafali Varma Announced Replacement Ahead of Semi-Final Match Against Australia

India’s Women’s World Cup campaign has suffered a major setback as opener Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

The 25-year-old sustained an ankle injury during India’s final group-stage match against Bangladesh at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. The ICC confirmed on Monday that Shafali Verma will replace her in the squad.

The injury comes at the worst possible time for India, who are set to face defending champions Australia in the semi-final on Thursday, October 30.

Rawal has been one of India’s best performers in the tournament, scoring 308 runs in seven matches at an average of over 51. She sits second on the list of top run-getters this World Cup and has played a key role in India’s progress to the knockouts.

Her 122 against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai and 75 versus Australia in Visakhapatnam were among India’s biggest wins this campaign. Alongside Smriti Mandhana, Rawal gave India strong starts at the top, including their record 212-run opening stand against New Zealand last week.

“India’s opening batter Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 following an ankle injury that she sustained while fielding near the ropes,” read the ICC statement.

“India have named Shafali Verma as her replacement with a big semi-final matchup scheduled against defending champions Australia.”

Rawal’s injury happened in the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings when she slipped on the wet outfield while attempting to stop a boundary. Though she initially refused a stretcher, she limped off with the help of teammates.

The BCCI later confirmed that she injured both her knee and ankle and would be monitored closely. In her absence, Amanjot Kaur opened with Mandhana against Bangladesh, a match that was later washed out due to rain.

India finished the group stage with seven points, securing the fourth and final semi-final spot.