The Indian opener Pratika Rawal has sustained ankle injury during the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 game against Bangladesh on October 26 with a knee and ankle injury.

The incident happened on the final ball of the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings, which resumed after a long Rain break.

Fielding near the midwicket boundary, Rawal overran and, in her attempt to turn back to the field, her right foot seemed stuck in the turf and twisted her ankle before falling to the ground with visible discomfort.

The last group stage games of the tournament lashed out with persistent rain at Navi Mumbai. While the rain started to pour, the ground staff had initially only covered the main square. Extra covers were subsequently brought on to the extent of the protection straight down the ground, on either end of the wicket.

While the drainage has been quick at the venue, Pratika Rawal did fall in one of the uncovered areas and seemed a bit damp.

Pratika Rawal was seen limping off the field with the help of support staff and did not return to the field for the remainder of the Bangladesh innings.

Pratika Rawal, who made her India debut in December 2024, went on to make the second joint fastest to 1000 runs in Women’s ODIs and only the second ever, after Smriti Mandhana, to aggregate 1000 runs in a calendar year.

The injury adds concerns to India’s campaign ahead of the crucial semi-finals clash against Australia. In the game against New Zealand, Richa Ghosh had sustained a blow to her finger and was subsequently rested for the Bangladesh game, leading to an ODI debut for wk-batter Uma Chetry.

A day before the game, India’s bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi had said, “she’s fine”, and also added a disclaimer that he did not have an exact update.

India does not have any opener batter in their World Cup 15-member squad other than Chetry. Tejal Hasabnis is the only batter among the five reserves India named at the time of squad selection.

India can call upon any replacement of choice outside of the reserves if the ICC approves. However, it is applicable only if Pratika Rawal is entirely ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

India and Australia will lock horns once again during the 2nd semifinals of the tournament on October 30 at Navi Mumbai.