Akshay Thakur - Monday, Oct 27, 2025The Indian team has suffered a major setback ahead of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup semi-finals. Opener Pratik Rawal has been ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury. Pratik suffered the injury while fielding during the league match against Bangladesh on Sunday.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian team will face defending champions Australia in the semi-finals. Rawal's absence is a major blow to the team, which is in excellent form. Who could replace Pratik Rawal as the opener? These three are considered the strongest contenders.
Harleen Deol bats at number three for India in women's ODIs. The 27-year-old from Chandigarh has never opened for India in ODIs. However, given her ability to face the new ball, she is considered a strong contender to open alongside Smriti Mandhana.
Indian all-rounder Amanjot Kaur is also a strong contender for the opening slot. She opened alongside Mandhana against Bangladesh. Kaur could be given the responsibility of opening again. Her playing in the top order could allow the Indian team to consider six bowling options.
Mumbai's Jemimah Rodriguez currently bats at number five. However, she began her ODI career as an opener. Opening the innings, she scored 381 runs in 18 innings. She is a reliable Indian women batsman and can be given the responsibility of opening the innings.
