Big blow for India!! Pratika Rawal ruled out of Women’s World Cup 2025, Harmanpreet Kaur shocked

India suffered a huge blow ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal against Australia, as star opener Pratika Rawal has been ruled out due to a serious ankle sprain.

Pratika Rawal suffered the injury during India Women’s rain-hit clash against Bangladesh when she twisted her ankle while fielding on the boundary. Her absence comes as a massive setback for India, as she has been one of the team’s most consistent performers in the tournament.

Pratika Rawal ruled out of ICC Women's World Cup 2025 semifinal after ankle injury

Her aggressive starts at the top were a key reason behind India’s dominant run into the knockout stages of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

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The Revsportz report reads, “Pratika Rawal is ruled out of the #ICCWomensWorldCup2025 semifinal against Australia owing to a severe ankle sprain. She got injured in the Bangladesh match.”

🚨 BREAKING

Pratika Rawal ruled out of the #ICCWomensWorldCup2025 semifinal against Australia owing to a severe ankle sprain. She got injured in the Bangladesh match.#BREAKING @BCCIWomen @BoriaMajumdar @TrishaGhosal @snehasis_95 pic.twitter.com/RFaxYwXi1Y

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 27, 2025

Pratika Rawal twists ankle on wet turf

Rawal twisted her right ankle while fielding at deep midwicket during their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 match against Bangladesh. The incident happened on the last ball of the 21st over at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

The 25-year-old slipped on the wet outfield while trying to stop the ball, and her foot got stuck in the damp turf. She was seen in pain and had to walk off the field with the help of the medical staff. Later, the rain-hit match was later abandoned due to persistent rain in Mumbai.

Since Rawal was injured, she couldn’t open the innings when India began their chase, and Amanjot Kaur was promoted to bat alongside Smriti Mandhana against Bangladesh.

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Rain looms over India vs Australia Semifinal

With the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal between India and Australia scheduled for October 30, all eyes are now on the skies above Mumbai rather than the field. The city has been hit by continuous rain, and with Thursday’s forecast showing a 90% chance of showers, the threat of a washout looms large over the much-awaited clash at the DY Patil Stadium.

There is a reserve day scheduled for Friday, but even that comes with concern, as the weather reports predict an 80% chance of rain on the backup day as well. This means the rain gods could play spoilsport not just once but twice, potentially ending India’s dream run in heartbreaking fashion.

If the semifinal match cannot be completed on either day, Australia will move into the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final because of their better record in the group stage. It would be a cruel blow for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team, who have been outstanding throughout the tournament.

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Mithali Raj suggests Harleen Deol as ideal replacement for Pratika Rawal

Meanwhile, following the setback, the former Indian captain Mithali Raj suggested Harleen Deol could move up to open with Smriti Mandhana in Pratika’s absence, while Uma Chetry remains another option if Richa Ghosh doesn’t return as wicketkeeper.

Mithali Raj said on JioStar, “The question now is who opens with Smriti if Pratika isn’t fit to take the field on the 30th. The first option could be promoting number three, Harleen, since she’s often walked in early and is comfortable facing the new ball.

The other option is Uma Chetry, but if Richa Ghosh returns as wicketkeeper, then Uma might sit out. Ideally, this was a great opportunity for Harleen to open and build that equation with Smriti, assuming Pratika might not be available.”