A significant blow has hit the Indian women’s cricket team as opener Pratika Rawal limped off the field after twisting her ankle while fielding in the match against Bangladesh in the final league game of the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. The injury occurred as India attempted to chase a revised total on a rain-interrupted day and was followed by medical attention for both her ankle and knee.
Following the incident, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed that Rawal is under close observation by the medical team ahead of the semi-final match against Australia. Her absence would require India to rework their opening strategy since Rawal has been prolific throughout the tournament—especially with her recent century that cemented her place as a key batter.
With the knock-out stage looming, India must prepare for the possibility of opening the innings without their usual partner. The injury not only affects batting combinations but also raises questions about fielding depth and pressure handling in critical games. The team now awaits a fitness update while considering backup options for one of their most important matches. 
