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India have been dealt a major blow ahead of their semi-final clash against Australia in the Women's ODI World Cup 2025 as opening batter Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to an injury. Pratika suffered a freak injury while fielding during India's final group-stage clash against Bangladesh at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
The 25-year-old injured her right knee and ankle after her foot got stuck in the ground while she was trying to save a boundary near the boundary rope during Bangladesh's innings. She was stationed at deep midwicket and ran to her left to save a boundary. However, her right foot stuck in the turf as she tried to turn back after overrunning.
The ball eventually sneaked through to the boundary rope, but Pratika fell on the ground, grimacing in pain as her teammates rushed towards her to check on her. A stretcher was brought out, but she eventually limped off the ground with support from two of her teammates.
"The manner in which she fell, it became clear that she would not be available for the knockout games. It is very unfortunate," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by PTI.
Pratika's absence will be a huge miss for India in their semi-final clash against seven-time champions Australia. The 25-year-old opener was in splendid form for India in the tournament, having amassed an impressive 308 runs in just six innings at a brilliant average of 51.33.
She was the second-highest run-getter in the tournament, behind only her opening partner, Smriti Mandhana. While she was one of the most consistent performers for India with the bat, Pratika also provided stability at the top, having formed a formidable opening partnership with Mandhana.
The duo are the top two run-getters in the tournament so far and have dominated the run-scoring charts for India.
Pratika slammed her maiden World Cup ton in India's last game against New Zealand to help the hosts beat the Kiwis by 53 runs and secure their spot in the semi-finals. She also completed 1,000 runs in women's ODIs and became the joint-fastest to achieve the milestone.
India are also sweating over the fitness of wicket-keeper batter Richa Ghosh, who sustained a finger injury during the hosts' clash against New Zealand. Gosh was rested from the Bangladesh game as debutant Uma Chetry kept wickets for India in the game.
India will take on Australia in the all-important semi-final on Thursday, October 30 and will hope Richa is fully fit for the must-win game. It also remains to be seen who BCCI will pick as a replacement for the injured Pratika.
