At its worst, Cricket is good at disappearing heroes at the wrong time for the team. In particular, for Team India, it may be that nightmare scenario that is taking place with Pratika Rawal’s possible knee & ankle injury from an attempted heroic save vs Bangladesh on October 26. Fans and the Indian team’s management are now anxiously watching whether Pratika Rawal will miss the semi-finals against Australia on October 30 due to her injury. As the reliable opening bat, Rawal was also the consistent run scorer so far this tournament- 308 runs in six innings, average of 51.33, and 1 hundred and 1 fifty.
Shafali Verma: Explosive Experience at the Top
Shafali Verma
Experience is often better than form when it really counts; Shafali Verma has shown with 29 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 90 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) that she has experience in this format. After being left off the World Cup team due to inconsistent play, she hit an impressive 70 in 49 balls during a practice match for India A. She may be ready to get back on the radar. With an aggressive batting style and the ability to score quickly against the discipline of Australia’s fast bowling attack, she can unsettle the bowlers early. Rawal’s batting method typically helps stabilize the batting order, but doesn’t help increase the rate of run-scoring. Therefore, if Rawal gets selected, Shafali will likely give India a chance at a quick start by forcing the opposing team to bat under pressure to get their runs together as quickly as possible.
Raghvi Bist: The Rising Star with a Solid Foundation
Raghvi Bist
Raghvi Bist, who is just 21 years old, has displayed both temperament and reliability while on tour with India A. She showed she had the ability to cope with high-pressure situations and play extended innings when she made 93 and 86 runs for India A vs Australia A during their unofficial Test match series. Although she has not played an ODI for India yet, her total of 205 runs across 3 games in the unofficial format at an average of 68.33 indicates that she is adaptable and temperamental – two important traits as she will face Australia’s tight bowling attack. Including Raghvi Bist in the team would be a bold decision based on raw talent/potential and not on the basis of experience; however, her cool head and ability to maintain her composure under pressure could provide stability to the team should the openers be unable to see off the new ball.
Tejal Hasabnis: The Steady Backup Option
Tejal Hasabnis
Tejal Hasabnis, who is 28 years old and an all-around middle-order batsman, has made a quiet impression from what little opportunity he has had, batting at a rate of 46.66 with his highest being 53. He has played for India A against both Australia and New Zealand and may be able to open when required, although this is not where he plays naturally. Tejal’s inclusion in the side will give the team some stability and a more methodical approach that can help counter-balance the more aggressive and risky nature of an attack led by Shafali. Her ability to stay at the crease during long periods of time and bat out the clock will likely be very valuable to the Indian team should they lose wickets quickly against Australia’s attack.
Key Takeaway:
Replacing Pratika Rawal isn’t just about numbers; it’s about balancing aggression, experience, and calm under pressure.
FAQs
1: What happens if Pratika Rawal misses the semi-final?
India will need to select a replacement who can either stabilize or accelerate the top order against Australia.
2: Why is Shafali Verma the most likely replacement?
Her explosive style and extensive international experience make her ideal for high-pressure knockout games.
3: How has India handled sudden top-order changes historically?
India has often leaned on bold, experienced players to maintain momentum in critical World Cup matches.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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