In what appears to be a major blow of sorts especially as the ongoing ODI World Cup has entered the business end of its run, India is hampered by the departure of its in-form opener Pratika Rawal. The right handed watchful batter known for her timing and stroke-making has been ruled out from taking any further part in the Magnus opus event in the realm of women’s cricket following an unfortunate injury.
Interestingly, the batter that replaces Pratika Rawal is none other than Shafali Verma.
While on the one hand, Rawal’s departure brings an end to what has been a fulfilling and thrilling maiden edition of the ICC women’s ODI World Cup for the rising cricketer, it also brings back Verma, just 21, to the forefront of Indian batting especially from up top of the order.
Rawal’s brilliant and fluent fifty against Australia in a contest that somehow slipped away from her India’s hands will go down as one of the most important and promising fifties hit by a woman in Indian colours in any one day World Cup event.
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Pratika Rawal’s breezy 75 versus the Aussies was followed by an amazing and gritty 122 against the White Ferns, in what was a must-win contest for India against a team that has let itself down particularly since their brand of cricket, as seen in this World Cup, has been devoid of certainty and that usual Kiwi unflappability.
Having said that Shafali Varma’s return to the one day fold is every bit welcoming as the faith one poses in the phrase development itself, then whether one speaks of the Renewable energy or infrastructure, taking a lead out of India’s rising success story in the 21st century.
An attacking batter who seeks to make the most of every single delivery, this Sachin fan is born in the land of Sehwag but her batting makes the entire country proud.
From 29 one dayers against her name, Varma, a blazing right hander is already touching 650 runs in the format. Can she and Smriti, who are no strangers to one another at the top of the order, deliver cracking batting performances- we shall have to wait and see.
But thoughts with Pratika Rawal who’ll recover probably not before 4-5 months. Having said that, at this point in time, what India needs are runs. Not just that, though. Wickets. And most importantly, the eleven daughters of the country sporting the blue to get some amazing wins together!