It was supposed to be Pratika Rawal’s World Cup. The Delhi batter had been India’s second-highest run-getter in the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, scoring 308 runs in seven matches and becoming one of the team’s most reliable players at the top. But sport can be cruel. During India’s last group game against Bangladesh, Rawal twisted her ankle while fielding and was ruled out for the rest of the tournament.
Her absence opened the door for Shafali Verma, who wasn’t even part of the original squad. Just months earlier, Rawal had replaced Shafali in India’s ODI setup. Now, fate had flipped the script. Shafali was called in as a late replacement ahead of the semifinal against Australia.
Shafali Verma’s redemption arc
Thrown straight into a World Cup semifinal after a year away from ODIs, Shafali managed only 10 runs against Australia. Questions were raised about her form and readiness for the final. But on the biggest stage, she silenced everyone. In the title clash against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Shafali struck a fluent 87 and also picked up the wickets of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp.
And guess what? Shafali ended up being the Player of the Match in the final and her all-round brilliance saw her guide India to the first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup triumph. It was a moment that will now inspire generations ahead.
Watching from the sidelines, Rawal had every reason to feel disappointed. Yet she stays calm and gives credit where it is due. Speaking to India Today, she said she had always respected Shafali, recalling how the young opener once scored a century against her domestic team years ago.
“I have immense respect for Shafali. What she did for our team was incredible,” Rawal said. “It’s not easy to come into a semi-final with that kind of pressure, but she handled it beautifully.”
“I have immense respect for Shafali. I remember playing a domestic match against Haryana — she scored a hundred, and I was leading the opposition side. From that day onwards, I’ve admired her a lot. What she did for our team was incredible.”
Pratika Rawal on partnership with Mandhana
Rawal also opened up about her bond with Smriti Mandhana, her opening partner through the tournament. She said their success came from mutual trust.
“I think it’s our simplicity — that’s what defines us. We love playing together. We’re both mature enough to understand what the situation demands. She never interferes with my game, and I don’t interfere with hers. That mutual trust and understanding are what make our partnership work so well,” she added.
Even after missing the knockout stages, Rawal’s contribution was crucial. Her 122 against New Zealand had revived India’s campaign after three straight defeats. While she missed being part of the final team, she did take part in the celebrations with the team, as Rawal was seen on her wheelchair post-match. The joy on her face was there to be seen. However, it wasn’t without a ‘what if’ dream!
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