NEW DELHI: Former India captain Mithali Raj believes Harleen Deol could be pushed up the order to open in India's semifinal against Australia on Thursday, if opener Pratika Rawal fails to recover from her ankle injury in time.

India suffered a major injury scare during the clash against Bangladesh on Sunday, when Rawal twisted her right ankle while fielding at deep midwicket on the final ball of the 21st over. Her foot appeared to get stuck on the damp outfield at the DY Patil Stadium, leaving her in visible discomfort.

Harmanpreet Kaur provides update on Pratika Rawal's ankle injury

"The question now is who opens with Smriti if Pratika isn't fit to take the field on the 30th. The first option could be promoting number three, Harleen, since she's often walked in early and is comfortable facing the new ball," Mithali said on JioStar.

With Rawal sidelined due to injury, India experimented by promoting all-rounder Amanjot Kaur to open the innings against Bangladesh - a decision that left Mithali Raj somewhat surprised. The former skipper felt that the game would have been the perfect opportunity for Harleen to partner Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order and gain valuable experience in the role.

"Ideally, today was a great opportunity for Harleen to open and build that equation with Smriti, assuming Pratika might not be available. If Pratika is fit, the same batting line-up continues.

"But sending Amanjot to open was something I didn’t quite understand. Yes, she needed some time out in the middle, but perhaps she could’ve slotted in at number three instead of opening," she added.

Rawal, 25, has been in stellar form throughout the tournament, amassing 308 runs from six innings at an average of 51.33, including a century.

Mithali also suggested an alternative in wicketkeeper-batter Uma Chetry, who replaced Richa Ghosh against Bangladesh. However, her inclusion in the semifinal XI could depend on team balance.

"The other option is Uma Chetry, but if Richa Ghosh returns as wicketkeeper, then Uma might sit out."

(With PTI Inputs)