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India’s in-form opener Pratika Rawal sustained an injury on her knee and ankle while fielding in the dead rubber Women’s World Cup 2025 clash against Bangladesh. After a century in must-win game against New Zealand, Rawal’s presence is crucial for Harmanpreet Kaur-led India. However, there is a big question mark over her availability for the semifinal clash against reigning champions Australia. After rain played spoilsport in Navi Mumbai and the game was abandoned during India’s run chase, Harmanpreet provided an update on Rawal.
“Our medical team will give an update on her. They are taking care of her, and hopefully, she will be back soon.,” Harmanpreet told cricketer-turned-presenter Anjum Chopra in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement on her injury.
“Team India all-rounder Pratika Rawal sustained an injury to her knee and ankle while fielding in the 1st innings against Bangladesh. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring her progress,” the statement read.
The semifinal against Australia is scheduled to be played on October 30 in Navi Mumbai.
Who opened the innings in Pratika Rawal’s absence?
In Rawal's absence, Arundhati Reddy came on the field and took a brilliant catch diving forward to dismiss Sharmin Akhter. In the run chase of 126, Amanjot Kaur opened the innings alongside Smriti Mandhana. Amanjot scored 15 runs from 25 balls. India were 57 for no loss from 8.4 overs before rain played spoilsport.
Pratika Rawal’s stellar run
Rawal has been in good form in her maiden World Cup tournament. She got starts in a first few games but could not convert them into big scores. Then, she scored 75 against Australia. Her strike rate was in question and then she answered selectors with a 122-run knock against White Ferns, her second ton of international career. She is second-highest run-scorer of the tournament. From six innings, she has 308 runs at an average of 51.33 and strike rate of 77.78.
What if Pratika Rawal gets ruled out?
If the opener gets ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, India can name a replacement from the reserves or pick someone else. The reserve players are Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry, Minnu Mani, Sayali Satghare.
If India choose from the current squad, they can promote either Jemimah Rodrigues or Harleen Deol for the opening role. If they chose a replacement out of the squad, Shafali Verma is an option as well, considering it is approved by the ICC.
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