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India have made wholesale changes in their playing 11 for the high-octane Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final against Australia at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. One change was forced — Shafali Verma came in for Pratika Rawal, who picked up a serious ankle injury in the league stage match against Bangladesh. Shafali wasn’t originally in the team’s squad but was included after it was confirmed that Rawal wouldn’t be able to take part in the semi-final and the prospective final. The other two seem tactical, even though captain Harmanpreet Kaur called them ‘rest’ — players aren’t usually given a break for the biggest match of the tournament — at the toss. Wicketkeeper Uma Chetry made way for the first-choice Richa Ghosh, who missed the last match due to injury, and Harleen Deol was dropped for pacer Kranti Gaud. The team has chosen to add an extra bowler, compromising on a bit of batting depth. “It’s a fantastic competition, and we’re up against a great team with a great record,” Kaur said at the toss. “My mind definitely goes back to 2017 – that day we played fearless cricket, and whenever we play against Australia, we always talk about being fearless and enjoying ourselves. Today, it’ll be the same mindset – to go out there with a fearless approach. Unfortunately, Pratika is not available due to injury. Kranti Gaud comes back into the side. Harleen and Uma are resting today, and Richa and Shafali return to the XI.” India Women (Playing 11): Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Amanjot Kaur, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani and Renuka Singh Thakur Meanwhile, Australia brought back lead spinner Sophie Molineux in for Georgia Wareham, while captain Alyssa Healy also returned from her injury. “We have a lot of confidence, but it’s a semi-final – a knockout fixture – and basically, whoever plays better on the day will get the result,” Healy said. “We know that, we’re fully aware of that. So it’s our opportunity to show up today, put a good performance out there, and hopefully be on the right side of the numbers. Just one change, Sophie Molineux comes back in for Georgia Wareham.” Australia Women (Playing 11): Phoebe Litchfield, Alyssa Healy (WK/C), Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth and Megan Schutt
