Pratika Rawal Ruled Out Women's ODI World Cup Semifinal India Weighs Opening Options

India's Women's ODI World Cup 2025 campaign faces a significant challenge as opener Pratika Rawal is ruled out of the semifinals against Australia due to a knee and ankle injury sustained while fielding. Former India captain Mithali Raj has suggested promoting Harleen Deol, who usually bats at number three and has experience facing the new ball, as the primary candidate to open alongside Smriti Mandhana. An alternative option discussed is wicketkeeper-batter Uma Chetry, but her inclusion depends on team balance and whether Richa Ghosh returns as wicketkeeper. The Indian team experimented with Amanjot Kaur as an opener in Rawal's absence against Bangladesh, a move Mithali Raj questioned, preferring Harleen to build an opening partnership with Mandhana. Team strategist Veda Krishnamurthy emphasized the importance of clarity and quick decision-making for the opening slot and raised concerns over the lack of a specialist batter in reserve. The Indian squad may even consider bringing in an external replacement if Rawal's injury does not improve before the knockout match.