Strong WPL 2025 Paved Way for Shafali Verma’s Return
After a spectacular season in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, Shafali Verma earned a well-deserved recall to the Indian women’s cricket team. The explosive right-handed opener from Haryana impressed immediately on her return, delivering scores of 20, 3, 47, 31, and a match-winning 75 in the comeback series against England Women. Her performances appeared to reaffirm her place at the top of the order and gave selectors renewed hope in her talent.
Shafali had lit up the WPL earlier this year, scoring 304 runs at a blistering strike rate of 152.76. That performance was pivotal in her selection for national duties, and for a while, it seemed like the 21-year-old had put her inconsistent past behind her.
Poor Show in Australia A Series Could Hurt World Cup Hopes
However, her struggles have resurfaced in the ongoing T20 series against Australia A. In both matches so far, Shafali has managed just 3 runs apiece, sparking concerns about her form ahead of the crucial ODI World Cup. Her dismissals have been quick and disappointing, especially in the second T20 where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Kim Garth sent her back after just five balls.
These consecutive failures raise questions about her consistency—a concern that has followed her throughout her career. The timing couldn’t be worse, especially with the World Cup around the corner and the selectors keeping a close eye on performances.
Adding to the pressure is the rise of young batter Pratika Rawal, who has made the most of Shafali’s previous absence and continues to impress with the bat. If Rawal continues to perform and Shafali’s form doesn’t pick up soon, a World Cup spot might slip out of reach for the once-dominant opener.
Meanwhile, Australia had plenty to celebrate as their skipper Alyssa Healy put on a show with the bat, smashing a fluent 70 off just 44 balls. Her return to form is a positive sign for Australia as they gear up for the upcoming World Cup, where Healy’s experience and aggression at the top will be key to their title hopes.
As the final T20 looms, all eyes will be on Shafali Verma—can she bounce back and make a final statement before the squad is locked in? Time, and runs, will tell.
