Shafali Verma Dropped, Hits 107; India 4th in World Cup After Crushing Australia Loss

Shafali Verma Dropped, Hits 107; India 4th in World Cup After Crushing Australia Loss

You have to wonder what the selectors are thinking right now. Just as India struggles in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, dropped opener Shafali Verma is sending a massive message by smashing a century in domestic cricket. The timing is just incredible.

Key Takeaways

  • Shafali Verma was left out of the World Cup squad, with selectors prioritizing ‘reliability’ over her explosive style.
  • Post-snub, she hammered a 107-run century off just 61 balls in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy.
  • India is currently fourth in the World Cup standings after losses to South Africa and Australia.
  • Despite a record 155-run opening stand, India lost to Australia on October 13, failing to defend 330 runs.

So, Why Was She Dropped?

Look, it’s the question on everyone’s mind. The official reason? Selectors, led by chief selector Neetu David, wanted more technical consistency and reliability at the top for the 50-over format. They felt Verma’s explosive, high-risk style wasn’t the right fit for the World Cup campaign.

Neetu David did say that Shafali remains a key part of the national system. But they want her to get more experience in ODI cricket. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you see what’s happening on the field. Really tough.

Verma’s Unbelievable Response

And what does Shafali do after being dropped? She goes out and absolutely dominates. Playing for Haryana in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2025, she blasted a stunning 107 runs off only 61 balls against Himachal Pradesh. As if that wasn’t enough, she followed it up with a solid 70 against Tripura.

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She’s not just knocking on the door; she’s breaking it down. This kind of form is exactly what India seems to be missing at the top of the order right now.

Expert Analysis

Even former India coach WV Raman is scratching his head. He publicly expressed his surprise, calling Verma a ‘special talent’. He said he hopes to see her making big contributions in future World Cups, which feels like a direct comment on the current situation. You can’t ignore a voice like that.

Social Media Storm

Her exclusion has become a massive talking point online. Fans and experts are pointing to her domestic scores and contrasting them with India’s mixed results. Every time the Indian openers struggle to accelerate, you can bet Shafali Verma’s name starts trending all over again. The pressure is building.

India’s World Cup Struggles

But honestly, the timing makes it all so much more dramatic. The Indian team, co-hosting the tournament, is in a precarious fourth place. They’ve already lost to South Africa and the reigning champions, Australia.

That loss to Australia on October 12 really stung. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal put on a record 155-run opening partnership, helping India post a massive 330. And they still lost. The team is now holding intensive fielding sessions at Holkar Stadium, trying to sharpen up before their crucial upcoming game against England.

It all leaves you wondering, doesn’t it? With the team needing a spark, is the player who could provide it sitting at home? Let us know what you think in the comments.