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Pratika Rawal Returns! Added to India's ODI Squad vs Australia After Injury

The BCCI has added opening batter Pratika Rawal to the Indian women's team for the upcoming ODI series against Australia after she successfully completed her rehabilitation. Rawal had been sidelined since October with an ankle and knee injury sustained during the Women's World Cup. Before her injury, she was a standout performer, finishing as India's second-highest run-scorer in that tournament. The ODI series begins on February 24 in Brisbane as part of the multi-format tour.

Key Points: Pratika Rawal Added to India Women's ODI Squad for Australia Series

  • Rawal returns after World Cup injury
  • Added to ODI squad for Australia series
  • Was a top performer before injury
  • Completed rehab at BCCI COE
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Pratika Rawal added to India's squad for ODI series against Australia

BCCI adds batter Pratika Rawal to India's ODI squad vs Australia after she completes rehab from an ankle injury sustained during the 2025 World Cup.

"Pratika Rawal has completed her rehabilitation... and has fully recovered from her ankle injury. - BCCI Statement"

Mumbai, Feb 17

Pratika Rawal has been added to India's squad for the upcoming three-ODI series in Australia after successfully completing her rehabilitation from injuries, the BCCI said on Tuesday.

The ODI leg of the multi-format series against Australia begins on February 24 with the first game in Brisbane, followed by the other two in Hobart. India women are currently leading 1-0 in the ongoing T20I leg, which will conclude on February 21. Perth will host the only Test on March 6.

Rawal has been out of action since October 26 after sustaining injuries to her right ankle and knee during the washed-out Women's World Cup league stage match against Bangladesh and, as a result, was ruled out of the tournament's knockout games. She had earlier earned her maiden Test call-up for the one-off Test against Australia.

"The Women's Selection Committee has added Pratika Rawal to India's squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia women, which is part of the ongoing multi-format tour of Australia.

"Pratika Rawal has completed her rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) and has fully recovered from her ankle injury sustained in October during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025," the BCCI said in a statement.

Before her injury, the 24-year-old opening batter had been one of India's standout performers in the ODI World Cup, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer for the team with 308 runs, including a century and a half-century.

Rawal made her ODI debut in December 2024 and was an immediate success. In 24 innings, she has 1110 runs at an average of 50.45 and strike rate of 82.83 and has made big contributions at the top of the order, hitting two centuries and seven half-centuries.

Her impressive performance saw the top-order batter her maiden BCCI central contract earlier this month.

India's updated squad for the ODI series against Australia: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Kashvee Gautam, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see her recover. But I hope the selectors and team management are not rushing her back. She's a key player for our future. Better to be 100% fit than risk a longer setback, especially with a busy schedule ahead.
A
Aman W
What a talent! Averaging over 50 in ODIs is no joke. She and Shafali Verma could be our long-term opening pair. The future of Indian women's cricket is looking very bright. Let's go win this series down under! 💪
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Australia, I'm excited to see her play here. Her comeback story is inspiring. Hope she gets a good reception from the crowds in Brisbane and Hobart. The multi-format series has been brilliant so far.
V
Vikram M
Fully recovered at the BCCI COE is good to hear. The infrastructure support for our women cricketers has improved a lot. She deserved that central contract. Now, hoping for a big score from her to seal the series win!
K
Kavya N
Just hope the team balance is right. With Rawal coming in, who sits out? Harleen Deol or maybe Amanjot Kaur? The selection headache is a good problem to have, I guess. Tough for the players on the bench though.

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