27 October,2025 01:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mithali Raj (Pic: File Pic)
In the ODI Women's World Cup 2025, Team India's opening batswoman, Pratika Rawal, sustained an injury to her knee and ankle while fielding during the first innings of the Bangladesh clash on Sunday.
Following her injury, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that the medical team is closely monitoring her progress.
The "Women in Blue" are all set to clash against Australia in the semi-final of the ODI Women's World Cup 2025. The match is scheduled to be played on October 30th at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
Ahead of the semi-final match, former Team India cricketer Mithali Raj named two players who can chip in as opening batswomen in case Pratika doesn't regain match fitness.
"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," she said on JioStar 'Cricket Live'.
Uma Chetry is the other player, the former cricketer named who can make the cut in Pratika's absence.
"The other option is Uma Chetry, but if Richa Ghosh returns as wicketkeeper, then Uma might sit out. Ideally, today was a great opportunity for Harleen to open and build that equation with Smriti, assuming Pratika might not be available," Mithali added.
During the ODI Women's World Cup 2025 match against Bangladesh, Team India promoted Amanjot Kaur to open the innings along with Smriti Mandhana.
The decision to promote Amanjot up the order left Mithali perplexed.
"If Pratika is fit, the same batting line-up continues. But sending Amanjot to open was something I did not quite understand. Yes, she needed some time out in the middle, but perhaps she could've slotted in at number three instead of opening," said Team India legend.
However, the match against Bangladesh ended without any result as rain played the spoilsport. Bangladesh posted a total of 119 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 27 overs. Responding to that, India scored 57 runs without any loss in 8.4 overs, but the match was then abandoned due to rain.
(With ANI Inputs)
