When India revealed their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, the loudest chatter was not about who made it in, but who did not. The exclusion of Shafali Verma — once the poster girl of India’s fearless new batting generation — was the most striking decision. Her absence reflects not just a loss of form, but an unresolved battle with technical flaws that cost her a place in the most important tournament of her young career.
Shafali’s ODI career began with promise when she debuted against England on June 27, 2021. Known for her ability to attack from ball one, she was expected to revolutionize India’s starts in the 50-over format. But in 29 ODIs, she managed only 644 runs at an average of 23, with a solitary unbeaten 71 to her name. The statistics point to unfulfilled potential — flashes of brilliance, but no sustained impact.
Shafali’s biggest struggle has been with the moving ball. Bowlers have found her vulnerable both ways — to the outswinger moving away from her as well as the delivery jagging back in. Against the outswinger, she often chased wide balls and edged behind; against the inswinger, her bat frequently came down late, leaving her trapped in front or bowled. These repeated dismissals highlighted a glaring weakness that opposition teams have been quick to exploit. For India, entering a World Cup at home, her inability to counter movement made her too risky an option at the top.
Since the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand, Shafali has produced just 277 runs in 14 innings. Her scores reflect the inconsistency: 35, 71* and 49 versus Sri Lanka in July 2022; 1, 8 and 0 against England in September 2022; 4 against Bangladesh in July 2023; 1 against Australia in December 2023; and 7, 20 and 25 against South Africa in June 2024. In her last ODI series, against New Zealand in October 2024, she made 33, 11 and 12 — yet again getting starts without converting.
The ongoing India A tour of Australia was viewed as her final chance to prove form. Instead, she faltered again, scoring 3, 3 and 41 in the T20s, followed by 36, 4 and 52 in the One Dayers. For the selectors, this was the final confirmation: the technical issues were too deeply rooted to fix in time for the World Cup.
In contrast, Pratika Rawal’s emergence has made the call easier. With 703 runs in just 14 ODIs, Rawal has shown consistency and composure that India desperately need from an opener. Her selection as a direct replacement reflects the shift from potential to proven performance.
At just 21, Shafali’s career is far from finished. But the World Cup snub is a clear message: unless she finds answers to both the ball moving away and the one darting back in, she will remain vulnerable in the 50-over format. For now, India moves forward without her, and Shafali must begin the hard work of reshaping her game to reclaim the place that once seemed hers by right.
