Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop has voiced his support for Shafali Verma ahead of India's crucial Women’s World Cup semi-final clash against Australia. With India facing the seven-time world champions, Bishop believes Verma has a golden opportunity to make a significant impact.
Verma's inclusion in the squad comes as a replacement for Pratika Rawal, who sustained an ankle injury during India's final league match against Bangladesh. Rawal, who has been a key performer for India in the tournament, scoring 308 runs in six innings, twisted her ankle while fielding. The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 officially approved Verma as Rawal's replacement.
Bishop acknowledged the blow that Rawal's absence represents but emphasized the importance of the "next player up" mentality. He stated that the team cannot dwell on Rawal's absence and that someone must step in to fill the void and make an impact. Bishop specifically highlighted Verma, suggesting that she could be the player to seize this opportunity.
Despite Verma not being part of the original World Cup squad, Bishop believes that this presents her with an unexpected chance. He urged Verma to approach the game with clarity and freedom, focusing on the opportunity to make a difference for her team and country. "She can't afford to think about pressure," Bishop said. "She has to come in with this mindset: I got this opportunity to make a difference... I'll try to remain as relaxed as possible, but I'm going to make the most of this opportunity and fill the void adequately".
However, Bishop also recognized the challenges Verma faces, considering she last played an ODI in October 2024. He noted that her recent international form hasn't been great, and it won't be easy for her to come straight into a World Cup semi-final. Bishop hopes that Verma has been working on her game and can rise to the occasion.
Ahead of the semi-final clash at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Bishop also suggested that the Indian team should draw inspiration from their 1983 Men's ODI World Cup triumph, where India beat the West Indies. He said that it's a chance for India to make their own history.
Verma, a dynamic but sometimes inconsistent opener, has played 29 ODIs for India, scoring 644 runs with four half-centuries. In the Senior Women's T20 League, she has been in impressive form, scoring 341 runs at a strike rate of 182.35 for Haryana. While Verma was not initially selected for the World Cup squad, selectors had previously indicated that she remained in their plans.
As India prepares to face Australia, the inclusion of Verma adds an element of unpredictability to their batting lineup. Whether she can capitalize on this opportunity and deliver a match-winning performance remains to be seen, but Ian Bishop's backing suggests that she has the potential to make a significant impact on the game.
The India vs Australia semi-final match is scheduled to take place on October 30, 2025, at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
