Trisha Ghosal in Mumbai
Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup due to an ankle injury, with Shafali Verma replacing her in the squad. Since RevSportz first broke the news of Pratika’s withdrawal, opinions have pulled strongly in both directions; some believe it’s a blessing in disguise, while others call it a major setback. But what has gone largely undiscussed is how this forced change affects the player at the other end, Smriti Mandhana.
Mandhana and Shafali opened the innings for India from 27 June 2021 to 29 October 2024. In this period, their partnership across 25 innings produced 893 runs at an average of 37.20, including six fifty-run stands and one century partnership. Mandhana’s role with Shafali has traditionally been to anchor, dial back certain strokes, and build steadily. Her personal returns in this phase stand at 1518 runs in 32 innings, averaging 48.96 at a strike rate of 84.85, including nine fifties and four centuries.
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Mandhana and Pratika formed a new opening chapter from 22 December 2024 to 23 October 2025. In 23 innings together, they piled up 1799 runs at a remarkable average of 78.21, featuring eight fifty-run stands and seven century partnerships. With Pratika playing the anchor and refusing to throw her wicket away, Mandhana had the freedom to unleash her full range, express herself, dominate, and dictate terms from ball one. In that stretch, Mandhana scored 1407 runs in 23 innings, averaging 61.17 at a strike rate of 108.39, with seven fifties and five centuries.
The difference is glaring, Mandhana’s average and scoring tempo both soar when Pratika is at the other end. Now with Shafali returning to partner her, Mandhana must adjust her approach again, quickly, and in the biggest match of India’s campaign. One injury isn’t just a direct swap; it alters the entire balance and psychology of the line-up. Mandhana is already carrying the weight of expectation, and this added tactical pressure may be a lot to absorb overnight.
But great players thrive under fire. Can Mandhana do that again? India will desperately hope she does.
Also Read: Even as we stand by the stricken Pratika, we must back Shafali to get the job done