A major setback has hit the Indian women’s cricket team: their in-form opener, Pratika Rawal, will miss the knockout stage of the Women’s ODI World Cup. She sustained a right-leg injury during Sunday’s rain-affected encounter against Bangladesh at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Sources indicate that Rawal was immediately taken to a hospital located within the stadium premises after painfully limping off the field. Although an official medical report and a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are still pending, it has been confirmed that Rawal is unlikely to recover in time to participate in the remainder of the tournament.
India is scheduled to face defending champions Australia in a high-stakes semifinal match at the same venue on Thursday. If Rawal is officially ruled out, the team management will likely seek an injury replacement before this critical fixture.
The unfortunate incident unfolded during the 21st over of Bangladesh’s shortened innings. Rawal slipped on the damp outfield while attempting to prevent a boundary, appearing to twist both her ankle and injure her knee. Despite a stretcher being brought out, she courageously walked off the field with the assistance of her teammates.
Following the incident, a BCCI spokesperson released a statement: ‘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.’ Amanjot Kaur subsequently opened the innings alongside Smriti Mandhana in Rawal’s absence.
Pratika Rawal has been a phenomenal performer for India throughout this World Cup, accumulating an impressive 308 runs from six innings, making her the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer. Her powerful opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana has been vital to India’s successful campaign, and her unexpected absence will undoubtedly be a massive challenge for the team heading into the semifinals.