Shafali to Open, Big Update On Richa Ghosh.. IND Playing XI for Women's World Cup Semifinal 2025

The most prestigious women's cricket tournament, the ICC Women’s World Cup, has now reached its exciting knockout stage, where every match is a do-or-die game to secure a place in the final. The pressure on each and every qualified team is very high, as one mistake can end a team’s journey in the tournament.

As India gets ready to face Australia in the semi-final, all eyes are on the playing XI that will take the field in this crucial clash of the home team against one of the best women's cricket teams. With some injury scares in the camp and a few players under observation, the team management faces difficulties in finding the perfect balance for this important encounter. Here’s a complete analysis of IND Playing 11 for Women World Cup semi final that could possibly take the field on Thursday.

IND Playing 11 for Women World Cup Semi Final

India is set to take on Australia in the semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup, and the team looks confident despite a few injury worries. The IND vs AUS playing 11 Women World Cup is very crucial. The playing XI is likely to feature a mix of experienced stars and young talents who have performed well throughout the tournament; however, in some matches, despite being in a winning position Indian team lost the match, which is why they finished at number 4.

The huge news ahead of the semi-final was the confirmation from the India camp that opener Pratika Rawal will miss the remainder of the WWC 2025 after injuring her ankle in a fielding mishap against Bangladesh.

Shafali Verma has been included into their squad as a potential replacement, despite not being named on the initial list of stand-by players (reserves) and not being in the reconing with the ODI side for more than a year. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the side, with one of the best women cricketers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma expected to open the innings. Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh will strengthen the middle order, while Deepti Sharma will play a key role as an all-rounder.

In the bowling department, Kranti Gaoud and Renuka Singh are expected to lead the pace attack, supported by spinners Shree Charani and Sneh Rana. There are still question marks over the fitness of wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who missed the previous matches due to an injury. If she misses out, that will be a huge setback for the Indian women's team.

Here is India's Playing 11 against Australia in the Women's World Cup:

Indian Team Injury Updates

Team India has a few injury concerns ahead of their crucial semi-final clash against Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup. The main worries are around Pratika Rawal and Richa Ghosh, both of whom have been key players for India throughout the tournament. Their fitness will play an important role in deciding India’s final playing XI for this knockout match.

Pratika Rawal: India women's cricket team's star ODI opener Pratika Rawal has sustained a serious injury, and her participation in the remainder of the ICC World Cup came to an end. Not just batting, but also her bowling was a big asset for India in the middle overs.

Richa Ghosh: One of the most attacking women cricketers, she also sustained a finger injury during the Women in Blue's previous match in the tournament against New Zealand, which raised some concerns about her availability for the semis. However, sources suggest she is recovering well and is likely to be available for selection. Her presence behind the stumps and her explosive batting in the lower order could be vital for India’s chances against a strong Australian side.