Boosting India’s top-order arsenal, BCCI has reinstated opener Pratikya Rawal for the crucial three-ODI series against Australia. Tuesday’s announcement celebrates her full recovery from an October ankle injury during the Women’s World Cup.
The series ignites February 24 in Brisbane, continuing in Hobart, amid the ongoing tour. T20Is conclude February 21 (India 1-0 up), leading into the March 6 Perth Test—a test of endurance for both sides.
Rawal’s layoff stemmed from a Bangladesh match mishap, costing her World Cup knockout berths. Previously picked for the Australia Test, the 24-year-old aced her BCCI Centre of Excellence rehab.
A World Cup revelation with 308 runs—including a hundred and fifty—she was India’s second-top scorer. ODI stats post-December 2024 debut: 1110 runs across 24 matches, 50.45 average, 82.83 strike rate, crowning her with a central contract.
BCCI affirmed: ‘Women’s Selection Committee adds Pratikya Rawal to the ODI team; rehab complete, injury-free.’
Complete lineup: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sri Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (keeper), Uma Chetry (keeper), Kashvi Gautam, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Pratikya Rawal.
As Rawal sharpens her blades, expect fireworks that could redefine India’s tour fortunes.