Pratika Rawal, who scored 122 vs NZ, ruled out of World Cup due to injury

Pratika Rawal’s breakout run at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has taken an abrupt and worrying turn. The Indian opener — who smashed a brilliant 122 against New Zealand that helped seal India’s semi-final spot — has been ruled out of India’s upcoming semi-final after sustaining a serious injury in the final group-stage game. This article explains what happened, what it means for India, and how the team might respond.

What happened to Pratika Rawal? — The injury timeline

Pratika Rawal injured herself while fielding in India’s final league-stage match against Bangladesh at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on October 26, 2025. During the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings she twisted her right ankle — reports say her foot got stuck in the turf — and also suffered pain in the knee as she tried to stop a boundary. She was helped off the field and did not return to play. The match was later abandoned because of heavy rain.

Medical scans and team assessments completed after the match have prompted the team management to rule Rawal out of the semi-final against Australia. Some outlets report that the injury is an ankle fracture, while others describe it as a significant ankle and knee injury; either way, the Indian camp has called this a serious setback.

Why this is a big blow — Pratika Rawal’s form and value

Pratika Rawal entered the World Cup in fine touch and has been one of India’s most consistent performers in the tournament. Her 122 against New Zealand on October 24, 2025 was a match-defining innings — part of a record opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana that propelled India to a huge total and a semi-final berth. Rawal has scored 308 runs in six innings at an excellent average and has been a pillar at the top of India’s order. Losing her now removes not only runs but also the left-right balance and the tempo-setting ability the team has relied on.

How the injury affects India’s semi-final plans

India’s immediate problem is replacing an in-form opening batter ahead of a clash with Australia — the tournament favourites and defending champions. Pratika Rawal’s absence forces a reshuffle at the top:

• India may promote an existing top-order batter to open or bring in a backup opener from the squad.
• The team could also alter its batting strategy — playing more cautiously at the start or using an experienced hand to anchor the innings while others play more aggressively.
• Fielding and running between wickets will be under scrutiny; Rawal’s energy at the top often set the tempo in both departments.

The squad’s depth will be tested. Selection choices will need to balance experience, form, and the specific challenge Australia presents.

Who could replace Pratika Rawal?

India’s selectors and team management will likely consider the following options:

• A reserve opener already in the World Cup squad who has international experience and can handle powerplay bowling.
• A middle-order batter who has previously opened in domestic cricket — promoted as a short-term measure.
• If the medical prognosis rules her out for the remainder of the tournament (some reports suggest this), the BCCI could name a replacement from the reserves, following ICC rules.

Which route India takes will depend on final medical updates and the selectors’ read of Australia’s bowling attack. Reports indicate the team is already exploring its opening options.

What the stats say — Pratika Rawal’s World Cup so far

Rawal has been one of the leading run-scorers for India in the tournament. Across six innings she accumulated 308 runs at an average over 50, including a crucial century (122 vs New Zealand) and other notable scores such as a composed 75 earlier in the competition. Her partnership with Smriti Mandhana has been one of the tournament’s storylines, and her rhythm at the crease made her an indispensable part of India’s top order.

Recovery timeline and the likely outlook

At the time of writing, team doctors were still assessing the full extent of the injury. Initial reports range from a severe ankle sprain to an ankle fracture; the latter would obviously require a longer recovery and rules her out of the remainder of the World Cup. If it is a sprain, there’s still a slim chance of recovery in time for later matches, but given the severity reported and the risk of re-injury, the management appears to be taking a cautious approach. Expect official medical bulletins from the BCCI before any definitive timeline is announced.

Bigger picture — what India must do without Rawal

Losing Pratika Rawal doesn’t just mean losing runs — it impacts mentality and balance. India’s strategy should include:

• Reaffirming roles: make sure the replacement knows whether to play aggressively or anchor.
• Strengthening the middle order: reinforce partnerships so that early wickets don’t cascade.
• Fielding drills: sharpen defensive tactics to compensate for any loss in running and boundary-saving energy.

India’s batting unit has depth and quality, but replacements can’t replicate Rawal’s recent form overnight. The team will need a measured tactical response.

Final thoughts — Pratika Rawal’s contribution and hope for recovery

Pratika Rawal’s 122 against New Zealand will remain one of the highlights of India’s World Cup campaign regardless of what follows. Her innings showcased maturity, timing, and temperament — traits that have elevated her into the frontline of India’s batting options. Fans and the team will now hope for a clear medical update and a full recovery for Rawal, whether that means a return later in the tournament or a longer rehabilitation that preserves her international future.

For now, India must regroup quickly and adapt their game plan. The semi-final against Australia looms large, and the team’s response in Rawal’s absence could define their World Cup trajectory.

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