Pratika Rawal ruled out with injury! 3 players who can open in INDW vs AUSW semi-final

Replacements for Pratika Rawal [Source: @Mushara78386844/X.com]

Just when everything seemed to be falling into place for the Indian women’s cricket team, a sudden blow has shaken things up. And it's a scare that could jeopardise their campaign.

Pratika Rawal, the young and fearless opener who had been giving India fast starts throughout the 2025 Women’s World Cup, has been ruled out of the semi-final due to an ankle injury.

She sustained the injury while fielding in the last league stage clash against Bangladesh and limped off the field.

Now, with the crucial knockout match of the semi-final against Australia around the corner, the big question is, who will fill Pratika’s shoes at the top?

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1. Jemimah Rodrigues

(Table: Jemimah Rodrigues' ODI stats as opener)

The first option is to promote Jemimah Rodrigues as an opener alongside Smriti Mandhana. Given her aggressive approach and experience, she might be the best bet. 

Rodrigues is technically sound, reads the game beautifully, and knows how to rotate strike against both pace and spin. In ODIs, she has scored 381 runs as an opener.

Jemimah might not go all guns blazing from ball one, but she can build a solid foundation, which is exactly what’s needed in high-pressure knockout matches.

2. Harleen Deol 

(Table: Harleen Deol ODI stats)

Then comes Harleen Deol, a batter who wears her determination on her sleeve. Harleen has often been used in the middle order, but she has the technique and temperament to open if required. 

While she has never opened in the ODI format, she can adjust her game according to the match situation with sheer adaptability.

If India wants to surprise the opposition with a balanced approach, someone who can take on the new ball yet rotate strike confidently, Harleen might be the dark horse. 

She’s also an excellent fielder and brings positive energy to the team, something that could lift the dressing room after Rawal’s injury setback.

3. Shafali Verma 

(Table: Shafali Verma's ODI stats as opener)

One unconventional option will be to recall Shafali Verma as injury backup. She is fearless and destroys any bowling attack in the powerplay. If the team management wants to keep up with Pratika’s aggressive intent, promoting Shafali could be the natural choice.

Of course, jumping mid-way into the tournament, especially into a knockout game, will be tough. But if Verma gets going, she changes the game in a matter of overs.

As for stats, Shafali Verma has scored 644 runs in 29 ODIs as an opener with 23.00 average and 83.20 strike rate.

In a semi-final, a flying start can put enormous pressure on the opposition, and Shafali is exactly the kind of player who can provide that spark.

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