NEW DELHI: The Indian women's cricket team has been dealt a massive setback, with in-form opener Pratika Rawal ruled out of the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup. Her absence means she will miss the highly anticipated semifinal clash against Australia on Thursday.

Pratika twisted her ankle while fielding during the abandoned Women's World Cup match against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

Rawal, stationed at deep midwicket, injured her right ankle on the final ball of the 21st over when her foot got stuck on the wet outfield at the DY Patil Stadium, forcing her to hobble off the field.

Rawal, who made her India debut in December 2024, has enjoyed a sensational start to her international career. She smashed her maiden World Cup century in the previous match against New Zealand at the same venue, a knock that also saw her equal the record for the fastest to 1,000 runs in women's ODIs.

The young opener was also closing in on becoming only the second player to score 1,000 runs in a calendar year.

India are also facing concerns over the fitness of wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who injured her finger during the clash against New Zealand.

She was rested for the following match against Bangladesh, which paved the way for backup keeper Uma Chetry to make her debut.