India’s 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup semi‑final against Australia is just a few days away, and the team is still figuring out its opening order. Former captain Mithali Raj has raised a key question: who opens the batting with vice‑captain Smriti Mandhana if Pratika Rawal is still hurt?
Pratika suffered a knee and ankle injury while fielding in India’s last group match against Bangladesh. The injury happened in the 21st over when she twisted her ankle chasing a boundary at cow corner. A stretcher was called, but Pratika managed to leave the field with the help of the physio. Because the match was washed out by rain, the injury did not trigger a full medical review yet, leaving her fitness uncertain.
If Pratika can’t play on October 30, Mithali suggested two options for the first wicket. The first is Harleen Jaswal. Harleen often beats the new ball and would slot in at number three, a spot she is comfortable in. The second is Uma Chetty, though Uma might not play if wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh returns to the side. “I think Harleen could be a natural opener if we have to replace Pratika,” Mithali told JioStar. “Amanjot could stay at number three instead of opening.”
During the rain‑ruined match against Bangladesh, India elected to open with Amanjot Kaur and Smriti. They were 57‑0 when the game ended. Despite that, the team is still evaluating whether Amanjot’s role can be kept as an opener for the semi‑final.
Former India batter Veda Krishnamurthy warned that the squad needs a clear, quick decision on opening partners. “There’s no backup opener on the roster, not even at the reserve level except Tejal Hasabnis, who usually bats in the middle,” she said. “If Pratika is out, India may have to bring in a specialist opener from outside the squad—maybe Shafali Verma or someone else—because you can’t expect a makeshift opener to deliver in a knockout against the defending champions.”
India’s last meeting with Australia in the group stage ended in a three‑wicket win for the Aussies in Visakhapatnam. The semi‑final is a first‑knockout game, so the pressure is high. “You can’t give Australia any chances; they capitalize on half‑chances and take the game away,” Veda added. “The key is to start with the right combination and keep pushing them to make errors.”
India also has to settle on the bowling side. Veda said the team needs six bowling options, not just five. “With conditions that include rain, dew, and a relatively unchanged wicket, I should be confident about a six‑bowling attack,” she explained. “If we bowl first, we aim to restrict Australia to 300‑320. If we’re defending, we can’t realistically keep them under 350 with only five bowlers.”
The main unknown is Pratika’s scan results. Until those are out, the Indian selectors might keep the current openers, or they may promote Harleen or pick a replacement outside the squad. The next few days will be critical for India’s women’s team as they prepare to face Australia at DY Patil Stadium on October 30. The outcome of the opener decision and the added bowling depth will determine how they approach this high‑stakes match.
Source: ianslive
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