Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up: A Risky Yet Hopeful Move Before Australia Semi-Final

Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up: A Risky Yet Hopeful Move Before Australia Semi-Final

Two days before India’s big semi-final clash against Australia, Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up became the biggest talking point in Navi Mumbai. She returned to training with full energy, even if her outfit didn’t quite match the rest of the squad.

It was around 5:30 in the evening when a sunny Navi Mumbai day suddenly turned gloomy. The ground staff had just packed up the nets and brought on the covers as another spell of rain looked likely. Just then, Shafali arrived at the ground with her teammates, wearing India’s T20I trousers instead of the black training pants everyone else had on.

She had only joined the team the day before, replacing the injured Pratika Rawal in India’s squad for the rest of the tournament. Coming straight from Surat, where she was playing in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up came at a time when India needed an experienced opener.

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Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up: A Return to the Big Stage

Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up: A Risky Yet Hopeful Move Before Australia Semi-Final

As the floodlights came on, all eyes were on Shafali. Reporters watched her every move, from her quiet celebrations during warm-up games to her calm body language. Some wondered if she felt out of place joining the team so late in the tournament. But soon, she showed that Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up was not just about filling a spot, it was about adding firepower at the top.

During catching practice, she looked sharp, judging high balls perfectly under lights. Having played at this venue before for Delhi Capitals in the WPL, she was comfortable right away.

At just 21, Shafali has already played in three T20 World Cups and one ODI World Cup. She also captained India to victory in the first-ever Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Known for her fearless batting style, Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up reminded fans of her explosive approach that once made her India’s go-to attacking opener.

After being dropped last year due to inconsistency, she went back to domestic cricket and led Haryana to the quarter-finals in the one-day tournament. She topped the scoring charts with 527 runs at a strike rate of 152.31. Her form in the Women’s Premier League only strengthened her case for Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up, proving she was ready for international cricket again.

Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up: Eyes on the Semi-Final

At training, Shafali was the first to pad up. After a short meeting with the batting group, she started her net session. Her first few deliveries were steady, a solid defensive shot, followed by a smooth drive through the covers. Then came her trademark aggression: a charge down the track to Sneh Rana and an attempted reverse sweep. The determination behind Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up was clear, she was here to make her mark.

She shared the nets with Harleen Deol and kept a close eye on Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur in the adjacent nets. When her turn came again, she unleashed her strokes freely, sending several balls racing beyond the practice field. Her effort during training proved that Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up had re-energized India’s batting camp.

Later, in an open net session, she faced India’s top bowlers, Renuka Singh, Radha Yadav, Deepti Sharma, and Kranti Gaud. Not every ball found the middle of her bat, but when it did, it cleared the boundary boards. Her strong hitting showed why Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up could be a turning point for India in the knockout stage.

Even after 45 minutes of batting, she wasn’t done. Shafali bowled a few overs herself, chatting with bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi after every delivery. Her enthusiasm stood out, reinforcing that Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up wasn’t just a replacement, it was a statement.

By the time practice wrapped up, it was close to 10pm. Shafali was one of the last to leave, heading back to the team hotel overlooking the DY Patil Stadium , tired but satisfied.

India will likely include her in the playing XI for Thursday’s semi-final, replacing Rawal at the top of the order. With Smriti Mandhana in her aggressive form, Shafali might have the freedom to settle in before going big. Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up may not have come in the way she expected, but it has given her a golden chance to shine once more.

She’s back, ready to take on Australia and prove why Shafali Verma 2025 World Cup Call-Up could be the spark India needs to reach the final.

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