Pratika Rawal Ruled Out of Women’s World Cup 2025: The Indian women’s cricket team has suffered a major setback at a crucial stage of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Opening batsman Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a leg injury. This disappointing news comes just before the semi-final match against Australia on Thursday, October 30.
On-field injury caused the injury
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Pratika Rawal suffered the injury while fielding during the tournament’s final league match against Bangladesh at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, October 26. In the rain-affected match, Rawal slipped and fell awkwardly while fielding near the boundary ropes. The injury was so severe that she struggled to stand due to the pain, and she was carried off the field by team support staff. She did not return for the remainder of the bowling or batting innings.
Scans confirm her exit
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After the match was cancelled, the 25-year-old Rawal underwent scans. Later, after receiving a report from an independent doctor, she was officially ruled out of the ongoing Women’s World Cup 2025.
Team India under Injury Clouds
Pratika Rawal’s exclusion has added to the Indian squad’s concerns. The team is already concerned about the fitness of wicketkeeper-batsman Richa Ghosh, who suffered a finger injury in the previous match against New Zealand and was rested for the match against Bangladesh. In Richa’s absence, backup wicketkeeper Uma Chhetri was given the opportunity to debut.
How did Pratika Rawal get injured?
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The final match of the league played in Navi Mumbai was severely affected by rain. Due to the lack of proper arrangements to cover the ground, water accumulated on the exposed areas. While turning to save a boundary, Pratika Rawal’s right foot got stuck in the wet mud, causing her to suffer an injury and ultimately be ruled out of the tournament. This incident also raises questions about the poor condition of the ground.
A Major Loss for India
Pratika Rawal’s absence is being considered a major blow for India. Raval, who made her international debut in December 2024, has had a stellar first year. She scored her maiden World Cup century against New Zealand at this very ground in the previous match. In the process, she also became the joint-fastest player to score 1,000 runs in women’s One Day International (ODI) cricket.
Now, the Indian team will face a strong Australian team in the semi-finals in her absence. The team management will have to assign a new opening player in her place and may also have to make major changes to the batting order.
