Pratika Rawal, India’s star opener, suffered injuries to her knee and ankle during the match against Bangladesh on Monday, which will prevent her from playing for the rest of the Women’s World Cup.
Shafali Verma, who last played an ODI a year ago, was named Rawal’s replacement.
During India’s most recent league game on Sunday at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the 25-year-old twisted her right ankle.
“Verma was named as a replacement after Rawal was ruled out after sustaining an injury to her right ankle while fielding in the league match against Bangladesh,” said the ICC in a statement.
“The manner in which she fell, it became clear that she would not be available for the knockout games. It is very unfortunate,” a PTI reported a BCCI source as saying.
On the last ball of the 21st over, Rawal rushed in from deep midwicket to stop the ball, but her right foot got stuck in the ground. She slumped instantly, grimacing in agony.
While a stretcher was brought to the scene and Indian players rushed to their teammates, Rawal left the field with help from the support staff.
Throughout the competition, Rawal has been in excellent form, scoring 308 runs at an average of 51.33 from six innings.
In the match against New Zealand, she scored her first World Cup century. She also became the women’s ODI joint-fastest to 1000 runs during the process.
At the top of the batting order, Rawal has also developed a successful partnership with Smriti Mandhana.
Australia, the reigning champions, will play India in the semifinal on Thursday; the final is set for Sunday.
Shafali Verma is a hard-hitting player who might be drafted right into the starting lineup. With 644 runs at an average of 23 in 29 games, the 21-year-old opener has a respectable ODI record. Shafali lost her spot on the ODI team due to inconsistency, but she was able to retain her place in the shortest format.
