As it is, the Indian team is under a bit of a pump in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, owing to their questionable form and decisions, and now a key member could be out due to a freak injury. Yes, on Sunday in Navi Mumbai, during the India vs Bangladesh match, India’s second-highest run-getter in the tournament, Pratika Rawal, suffered an ankle injury.
Pratika Rawal gets injured
The incident happened in the 21st over of the rain-curtailed match, where the fielder slipped on a wet outfield, when Sharmin Akhter hit Deepti Sharma for a four. Actually, Pratika’s right foot got stuck in the ground and got twisted. Such was her condition that she had to be stretchered off the field.
As expected, Pratika didn’t come out to open the batting alongside Smriti Mandhana when India started the 126-run chase against Bangladesh. Later, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided an update as well.
“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,” BCCI said.
Out of India vs Australia semifinal?
Now, in four days’ time, on October 30, India plays their semifinal against the best team in the world — Australia. If Pratika is unfit for the match, it will be a huge blow for the team, as she is in tremendous form and recently scored 122 against New Zealand in a must-win match.
Just for the record, Pratika Rawal has scored 308 runs in the World Cup at an average of 51. She has had a glorious partnership with Smriti Mandhana, who is the leading run-getter with 331 runs. And it goes without saying that if India has to harbour any hopes of a win, their best batters need to be on the park on the day of the semis.
