Ankle Injury Forces Pratika Rawal Out Before World Cup Semifinal Clash

In a major setback for India’s Women’s Cricket Team, star batter Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup due to a severe ankle injury. The development comes just days before the much-anticipated semifinal clash against Australia, leaving fans and teammates deeply disappointed.

According to official reports from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rawal sustained the injury during a high-intensity training session in Sydney earlier this week. Medical examinations confirmed a ligament tear in her left ankle, ruling her out for the remainder of the tournament.

Team physiotherapist Dr. Neha Deshmukh stated that Rawal will need several weeks of rest and rehabilitation before she can return to competitive cricket. “Pratika’s recovery will take time. She’s a key player, and our focus is on ensuring her full recovery rather than rushing her return,” Deshmukh said.

Rawal’s absence is a major blow to India’s batting lineup. The right-handed batter has been one of the team’s most consistent performers in recent years, known for her composure under pressure and ability to build innings. In the group stages, she played a crucial role in guiding India to the semifinals, scoring two fifties in four matches.

The team management has named Harleen Oberoi as her replacement for the semifinal match. While Oberoi has shown promise in domestic tournaments, filling Rawal’s shoes on such a big stage will be a tough challenge.

Head coach Ramesh Powar expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt. “Injuries are part of the game. While losing Pratika is unfortunate, we have faith in our squad depth. Every player understands the importance of this moment,” he said.

Fans across India have flooded social media with messages of support for Rawal, wishing her a speedy recovery. Many expressed heartbreak that one of the team’s most reliable players will miss the crucial encounter against Australia, a team known for its dominant World Cup record.

Cricket analysts believe India will now have to rethink their batting strategy. Without Rawal anchoring the middle order, players like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur will carry extra responsibility. The focus will also shift toward India’s bowlers, who will need to step up to balance the loss.

Despite the setback, the Indian camp remains optimistic. The spirit within the dressing room, according to reports, is high, with players determined to win for their injured teammate.

As Pratika Rawal begins her road to recovery, the cricket world will be watching closely to see how India responds in her absence. For now, her focus remains on healing—while her teammates prepare to fight for a place in the World Cup final.