NEW DELHI: India finally ended their long wait for a Women’s World Cup title with a memorable triumph in Navi Mumbai, but one of the team’s standout performers, Pratika Rawal, missed out on a winner’s medal. The 25-year-old right-handed batter had been instrumental in India’s run to the semifinals, yet she was not eligible for a medal due to ICC regulations that determine who receives official recognition after the tournament.
Injury setback led to replacement
Pratika Rawal was in outstanding form through the group stages, scoring 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33. Her consistent contributions helped India build early momentum in the competition. However, her campaign came to an abrupt end during the match against Bangladesh when she suffered a serious ankle injury.
Following her injury, the Indian team management was forced to make a replacement, bringing in Shafali Verma for the knockout stages. As per ICC rules, only players named in the final 15-member squad at the end of the tournament are eligible for medals. Because Rawal was officially replaced before the semifinals, she could not be awarded a winner’s medal — even though her performances were crucial in India’s road to glory.
This is not the first instance of such a situation. A similar case occurred in the 2003 Men’s World Cup, when Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie missed out on a medal after being ruled out mid-tournament due to injury.
Shafali Verma’s match-winning role and Rawal’s emotional reaction
Ironically, the player who replaced Rawal went on to play one of the defining knocks of the final. Shafali Verma’s aggressive innings in the title clash powered India to a commanding win over South Africa, sealing the country’s maiden Women’s World Cup crown.
Despite missing out on the medal, Rawal’s presence remained deeply felt. She later appeared on the ground during the presentation ceremony, brought out in a wheelchair by Smriti Mandhana to a huge round of applause. Speaking afterwards, she shared her emotions on watching her teammates create history from the sidelines.
“I can’t express enough. There are no words. This flag on my shoulder means a lot to me. Being here with my team, it’s just surreal,” Rawal said. “Injuries are part and parcel of the game, but I’m very happy that I was a part of this winning team. I just love this team and I’m so proud that we made it. The whole of India deserves this.”
Watching from outside, she admitted, was more difficult than playing. “It was very difficult to sit and watch. It’s easier to play inside than watch from outside. But seeing this energy and this environment gave me goosebumps. Whenever there was a wicket or a six, you could feel the energy. It was amazing.”
