Pratika Rawal, the standout opener for Team India, will not be able to play in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 since she hurt her knee and ankle during India’s last league-stage match against Bangladesh on Sunday. This is a big blow for the team.
While she was fielding at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Rawal hurt herself. While rushing in from deep midwicket to stop the ball on the last ball of the 21st over, the 25-year-old hurt her right ankle when her foot got stuck in the grass. She fell to the ground in pain right away, which called for fast medical help.
Rawal was able to walk off the field with the help of the support personnel, even though a stretcher was brought onto the field. However, further tests subsequently showed that she would not be able to recuperate in time to continue in the tournament.
Official Statement and Replacement
The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the news on Monday, saying:
“Verma was chosen to take Rawal’s place after she hurt her right ankle while fielding in the league match against Bangladesh.”
Because of this, Shafali Verma, who hasn’t played in an ODI in almost a year, has been called up to take Rawal’s position. The 21-year-old aggressive opener is known for her bold stroke play. She is anticipated to go straight into the starting XI for the quarterfinal match against defending champions Australia on Thursday.
Rawal’s amazing form in the tournament
India will really miss Rawal. The right-hander has been in great shape throughout the tournament, scoring 308 runs in six innings with an average of 51.33.
She scored her first World Cup century against New Zealand, and her effort also put her the second-fastest woman to reach 1000 runs in ODIs.
Her superb opening pairing with Smriti Mandhana has been one of India’s main strengths in the tournament, giving India solid starts and setting the tone for their dominant group stage performances.
Shafali Verma’s Comeback and Team Worries
Shafali Verma is a good player, but she hasn’t been consistent in the 50-over format. She has played in 29 ODIs and scored 644 runs, at an average of 23. She has had some great games and some bad ones, which is why she lost her spot on the ODI team. However, she has stayed a regular on the T20 team.
India now has an explosive option at the top with her addition, but there is another problem: wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh’s fitness. Ghosh hurt her finger during the game against New Zealand and then missed the game against Bangladesh. According to reports, the Indian team’s management is keeping a tight eye on her rehabilitation before the semifinal.
What’s Next for India?
India won their group and will play Australia in the first semifinal on Thursday. The final will be on Sunday. India will have to show how deep and flexible their squad is as they try to win back the World Cup championship. Rawal is out, and Richa Ghosh’s status is still up in the air.