Pratika Rawal Ruled Out Of India vs Australia Women's World Cup Semi-Final: Report
Sources have confirmed to NDTV that Pratika Rawal has been ruled out for the remainder of the Women's World Cup 2025 campaign due to an ankle injury.
- India opener Pratika Rawal is ruled out of the Women's World Cup 2025 semifinal due to knee and ankle injuries
- The 25-year-old sustained the injuries while fielding against Bangladesh in their rain-hit group stage match
- Either Harleen Deol or Uma Chetry might open alongside Smriti Mandhana in the semi-final vs Australia
India suffered a big setback ahead of their Women's World Cup 2025 semifinal against Australia, as sources confirmed to NDTV that opening batter Pratika Rawal has been ruled out for Thursday's clash. The young opener sustained an injury to her knee and ankle while fielding during the first innings of India's final group stage clash against Bangladesh on Sunday. The Indian team kept fingers crossed, hoping for positive news from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) but now an alternate plan has to be devised.Â
In a statement, the BCCI had stated that the medical team is closely monitoring her progress as the 'Women in Blue' gear up for their crucial semi-final clash against Australia on Thursday in Navi Mumbai set to take place on Thursday. "Team India all-rounder Pratika Rawal sustained an injury to her knee and ankle while fielding in the first innings against Bangladesh. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring her progress," said the statement.
A freak injury for Indian opener #PratikaRawal while diving to save a boundary!
— (@Pk3Premnath) October 26, 2025
Get well soon pratika #CWC25Â Â #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/KrZ8L7RU8r pic.twitter.com/e9prsRpcKC
Who Replaces Pratika Rawal?
Speaking on 'Cricket Live', JioStar expert Mithali expressed surprise with all-rounder Amanjot Kaur opening the innings against Bangladesh, making 15* before the match was called off due to rain as India were cruising towards the 120-run target.
"The question now is who opens with Smriti if Pratika isn't fit to take the field on the 30th. The first option could be promoting number three, Harleen, since she's often walked in early and is comfortable facing the new ball. The other option is Uma Chetry, but if Richa Ghosh returns as wicketkeeper, then Uma might sit out. Ideally, today was a great opportunity for Harleen to open and build that equation with Smriti, assuming Pratika might not be available. If Pratika is fit, the same batting line-up continues. But sending Amanjot to open was something I did not quite understand. Yes, she needed some time out in the middle, but perhaps she could've slotted in at number three instead of opening," said the Indian legend.
Rawal is the second-highest run-getter in the tournament, with 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33, with a century and fifty each and a best score of 122.
Harleen has found most success at number three, with 828 runs in 24 innings at an average of 36.00, with a century and two fifties, with a best score of 115.
With ANI Inputs
India Women