Pratika Rawal ruled out of Women’s World Cup; Shafali Verma named replacement

Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the Women's World Cup after injuring her knee and ankle during the match against Bangladesh. Shafali Verma, named as her replacement, could be drafted into the playing XI for India's semifinal clash with Australia

Navi Mumbai: In a significant blow to India’s Women’s World Cup campaign, in-form opener Pratika Rawal has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after sustaining injuries to her knee and ankle during the match against Bangladesh.

Shafali Verma, who last played an ODI a year ago, has been named as Rawal’s replacement for the remainder of the tournament.

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The 25-year-old Rawal twisted her right ankle while fielding during India’s last league match at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.

“Verma was named as a replacement after Rawal was ruled out due to an injury sustained to her right ankle while fielding in the league match against Bangladesh,” said the ICC in a statement.

Rawal’s right foot became caught in the turf on the final ball of the 21st over, as she ran in from deep midwicket to stop the ball. She collapsed immediately in pain, requiring assistance from the team’s medical staff. A stretcher was also brought to the field, though Rawal managed to walk off with support.

The 21-year-old Rawal had been in remarkable form throughout the tournament, scoring 308 runs from six innings at an average of 51.33. Her maiden World Cup century, scored against New Zealand, also made her the joint-fastest to reach 1000 runs in women’s ODIs. Alongside Smriti Mandhana, Rawal had formed a dynamic opening partnership.

India will now face defending champions Australia in the semifinals on Thursday, with the final scheduled for Sunday.

Shafali Verma, who has been out of the ODI side for a year due to inconsistency, could slot directly into the playing XI. The 21-year-old has a modest ODI record, with 644 runs in 29 matches at an average of 23.

Meanwhile, there are concerns over the fitness of wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who suffered a finger injury during the match against New Zealand and missed the Bangladesh encounter.

India’s preparations for the crucial semifinal have been impacted by these injuries, but the team remains hopeful of a strong showing in their pursuit of the title.