India’s campaign at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has been dealt a massive setback with the in-form opener Pratika Rawal ruled out of the tournament following a knee and ankle injury sustained during the final league-stage clash against Bangladesh at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on October 26.
The incident unfolded on the final ball of the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings, moments after play resumed from a lengthy rain interruption that lasted nearly two and a half hours. Fielding at deep midwicket, Rawal overran while chasing the ball and appeared to twist her right ankle on the damp outfield before collapsing in visible distress.
Clearly in pain, Rawal was helped off the field by India’s medical team and did not return for the remainder of Bangladesh’s innings or to open in India’s rain-curtailed chase. Following the match—which was eventually abandoned due to persistent showers—she underwent scans and was later scheduled to meet with an independent doctor for official assessment. The results confirmed the worst: Rawal would take no further part in the World Cup.
The timing of the injury couldn’t have been more cruel. The 25-year-old batter has been one of India’s brightest stars in recent times, enjoying a stellar run in her debut year since making her international debut in December 2024. Her maiden World Cup century came just days earlier, against New Zealand at the same venue, where she not only showcased remarkable poise under pressure but also became the joint-fastest to 1000 runs in women’s ODIs.
Across the tournament, Rawal’s performances have been a model of consistency, with scores of 37, 31, 37, 75, 6, and 122, making her one of India’s most dependable top-order batters. With 308 runs from 6 innings, she was the tournament’s second leading run scorer. In just 23 ODIs, she has amassed 1,110 runs (highest score 154) and even chipped in with 6 wickets, establishing herself as a genuine all-round contributor.
Her absence now leaves a major void in India’s setup as they prepare for a high-stakes semifinal against defending champions Australia at the same venue on Thursday (October 30). The situation is further compounded by injury concerns surrounding wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who sustained a finger injury in the previous match against New Zealand and was rested for the Bangladesh game, paving the way for Uma Chetry’s debut.
With Rawal sidelined, India suddenly finds themselves short of options at the top of the order. The main squad features no reserve opener, meaning the selectors may have to turn to the standby list, where Tejal Hasabnis remains the only available batting option. The team management can also seek ICC Executive Committee approval to name a replacement outside the reserves.
For a player who had rapidly risen to become one of India’s most valuable assets in less than a year, Rawal’s injury is not just a personal heartbreak but a blow to a team on the cusp of a defining phase. Her strokeplay, consistency, and composure at the crease had become central to India’s success story in this World Cup—a story that now continues without one of its most promising protagonists.
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