Pratika Rawal’s journey through the Women’s World Cup 2025 was nothing short of heroic, yet it ended with a heartbreaking twist. Despite her significant contributions to India’s historic victory, the 25-year-old batter, who finished as the team’s second-highest run-scorer, did not receive a winner’s medal. This was all due to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) stringent regulations.
Rawal’s World Cup dream was shattered prematurely when she suffered an ankle injury during India’s group-stage match against Bangladesh. Before this unfortunate setback, she had been in phenomenal form, amassing 308 runs in just six innings at an impressive average of 51.33. Her crucial knocks were vital in propelling India into the semifinals. However, her injury necessitated a replacement, and Shafali Verma stepped in.
The ICC rules stipulate that only players who are part of the final 15-member squad are eligible for winner’s medals. Because Rawal was replaced before the crucial semifinal stage, she was heartbreakingly excluded from receiving the medal, even though her outstanding performance had laid much of the groundwork for India’s title challenge.
This isn’t an isolated incident in cricket history. A similar situation unfolded in the 2003 Men’s World Cup when Australian pacer Jason Gillespie, despite taking eight wickets in four games, was replaced due to injury and also missed out on a medal.
On that unforgettable Sunday night, as India triumphed over South Africa by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium, securing their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup trophy, Rawal could only watch from the sidelines. Seated in her wheelchair, draped in the proud Indian flag, she was visibly emotional, tears streaming down her face.
“I can’t even express it. There are no words. This flag on my shoulder means so much,” she shared emotionally. “To be here with my team — it’s surreal. Injuries are part of the game, but I’m just so happy I could still be part of this team. I love this team. I can’t express what I feel — we actually did it! We’re the first Indian team to win the World Cup in so long. The whole of India deserves this.”
For Rawal, the moment was a mix of immense joy for her team and personal disappointment. While she couldn’t be on the field during the final, she celebrated every boundary hit by Shafali Verma and every wicket taken with the same fierce passion as if she were playing herself.
“Honestly, it was harder to watch than to play. Every wicket, every boundary — it gave me goosebumps. The energy, the crowd, the emotion — it was incredible,” she recounted.
Pratika Rawal’s story is a powerful testament that the heroes of a championship don’t always stand on the podium. Their invaluable impact resonates deeply in every moment of triumph, every hard-earned run, and every dream that comes to fruition.