In a significant boost for the visitors, Pratika Rawal has been officially drafted into the Indian squad as the 16th member for the three-match ODI series against Australia. This addition comes as India currently holds a 1-0 lead in the T20I leg of their multi-format tour. While Rawal was previously named in the red-ball squad for the one-off Test, this latest update suggests her return to international competition could happen much sooner than originally anticipated.
The batting sensation has been sidelined since late October after sustaining knee and ankle injuries during a World Cup match against Bangladesh. According to a formal update from the BCCI on Tuesday, Rawal has finished her recovery program at the Center of Excellence and is now fit for selection. Her absence during the latter stages of the World Cup allowed Shafali Verma to return to the ODI side, where she famously earned Player of the Match honors in the final against South Africa.
Statistical Highlights: Pratika Rawal’s ODI Impact
Since her debut in late 2024, Rawal has established herself as a cornerstone of the Indian batting order. Her consistency was recently rewarded with a Grade C BCCI central contract.
- Run Machine: She has amassed 1,110 runs in just 23 innings, maintaining a prolific average of 50.45.
- Converting Starts: Her record includes two centuries and seven fifties, showcasing her ability to anchor an innings.
- World Cup Momentum: Before her injury, she was in peak form, highlighted by a magnificent 122 against a top-tier attack.
The upcoming ODI series serves as a vital bridge between the shorter T20Is and the prestigious pink-ball Test. Rawal’s inclusion provides Captain Harmanpreet Kaur with more tactical flexibility at the top of the order. The full squad features a blend of experienced stars like Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, alongside rising talents such as Kashvee Gautam and N Shree Charani.
India Women’s Full ODI Squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetry (WK), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Renuka Thakur, N Shree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Kashvee Gautam.
