Has Pratika Rawal Joined India's ODI Squad for the Series Against Australia?
Synopsis
In a significant development, Pratika Rawal has been added to India's squad for the ODI series against Australia after a successful recovery from injuries. This news comes as the Indian women's team leads the T20I series, with the ODI matches beginning soon. Will Rawal's return bolster India's chances in the series?
Key Takeaways
Pratika Rawal has rejoined India's squad after recovery.
The ODI series against Australia begins on February 24 .
India women currently lead the T20I series .
Rawal's performance in the ODI World Cup was impressive, scoring 308 runs.
Her return strengthens India’s batting lineup significantly.
Mumbai, Feb 17 (NationPress) Pratika Rawal has been officially included in India's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series in Australia, following her successful rehabilitation from injuries, as announced by the BCCI on Tuesday.
The ODI segment of the multi-format series against Australia is set to commence on February 24, with the first match taking place in Brisbane, followed by two matches in Hobart. Currently, the Indian women’s team is leading 1-0 in the ongoing T20I series, which wraps up on February 21. The only Test will be held in Perth on March 6.
Rawal has been sidelined since October 26 due to injuries to her right ankle and knee, incurred during the abandoned Women’s World Cup league stage match against Bangladesh, which resulted in her exclusion from the tournament's knockout stages. She had previously received her first Test call-up for the one-off Test against Australia.
According to a statement from the BCCI, "The Women’s Selection Committee has brought Pratika Rawal into the ODI squad for the three-match series against the Australia women, which is part of the ongoing multi-format tour of Australia."
"Pratika Rawal has completed her rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) and is fully healed from her ankle injury sustained in October during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025," the statement added.
Before her injury, the 24-year-old opening batter had emerged as one of India’s key players in the ODI World Cup, securing the position of the second-highest run-scorer for the team with a total of 308 runs, including one century and one half-century.
Making her ODI debut in December 2024, Rawal quickly made her mark, amassing 1110 runs in 24 innings at an average of 50.45 and a strike rate of 82.83. Her contributions at the top of the order include two centuries and seven half-centuries.
Her remarkable performance earlier this month earned her the first BCCI central contract.
India’s revised squad for the ODI series against Australia includes: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Kashvee Gautam, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, and Pratika Rawal.
Point of View
Pratika Rawal's return is not just a comeback; it's a crucial boost for the Indian women's cricket team as they face Australia in a high-stakes series. Her prior performance in the World Cup demonstrates her potential impact, and her inclusion underscores the depth and resilience of the squad. This development is significant for fans and the future of women's cricket in India.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries did Pratika Rawal sustain?
Pratika Rawal suffered injuries to her right ankle and knee during a match against Bangladesh in the Women's World Cup.
When does the ODI series against Australia start?
The ODI series against Australia starts on February 24.
How has Rawal performed in her ODI career so far?
In her ODI career, Pratika Rawal has scored 1110 runs in 24 innings with an impressive average of 50.45 and a strike rate of 82.83.
Who is leading the Indian women's team in the ODI series?
Harmanpreet Kaur is the captain of the Indian women's team for the ODI series against Australia.
What notable achievement did Rawal have before her injury?
Before her injury, Pratika Rawal was the second-highest run-scorer for India in the ODI World Cup with 308 runs.
