India’s Pratika Rawal (2R) reacts in pain as she walks off the field after getting injured during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 one-day international (ODI) match between India and Bangladesh at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on October 26, 2025. (Photo by Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)
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India’s opener, Pratika Rawal, is expected to sit out the second semi-final of the Women’s ODI World Cup. On Sunday, India suffered a major setback as their second-highest run scorer injured her right leg during a rain-hit game against Bangladesh.
During the 21st over of Bangladesh’s batting innings, Rawal tried to prevent a second run. While running towards her left from deep midwicket on the slippery ground of Navi, Mumbai, the right-hand batter twisted her ankle and fell on the ground. A stretcher was swiftly brought onto the field after the 25-year-old was visibly seen in discomfort; however, Rawal chose to leave with the physio’s support. Later, she did not bat with Smriti Mandhana and was replaced by all-rounder Amanjot Kaur.
” 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,” a BCCI spokesperson stated following Rawal’s absence from the batting order.
So far, Rawal has remained a key player for women in blue throughout the tournament, totaling 308 runs from six innings. Along with Mandhana, Rawal has also scored a 155-run partnership against Australia (one of the top five partnerships of the tournament). Now, India is set to face Australia again in the semi-final on August 30 in Navi Mumbai. Ahead of the crucial knock-out stage, India’s management will need to find a replacement for their in-form opener.
In the semi-finals, Harleen Deol is strongly favored to join alongside Madhanna. The 27-year-old is India’s No. 3 batter and can be considered by the management to open in ODIs for the first time. Amanjot, who replaced Rawal against Bangladesh, can also be expected to repeat the same against Australia, without disturbing the batting order. Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Gosh, both of whom have played ODIs as openers, can also be considered by management. 23-year-old batter Uma Chetry, who opened the batting during a World Cup warm-up game against New Zealand, could be asked to partner with Mandhana as well.
Notably, Pratika Rawal is still part of India’s XI and has not been ruled out of the finals if the team reaches them.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/parasjan/2025/10/27/injured-pratika-rawal-to-miss-world-cup-semi-finals-against-australia/
