Pratika Rawal helps off the field during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 match between India and Bangladesh at the DY Patil Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo/Getty Images) MUMBAI: After the historic win of the 2025 ODI World Cup by the Indian women’s team in November, excitement is slowly building for the upcoming season 4 of the Women’s Premier League, which is likely to be held from January 7 to February 3 in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara (the final decision will be taken by the WPL Board of Governors at its meeting in Delhi today). However, player injuries remain a definite headache for the five WPL franchises, hurting their plans for the WPL player auction in Delhi on Thursday and the upcoming season. During the recent World Cup, opener Pratika Rawal, who had forged a successful opening partnership with India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, was sidelined with a hairline fracture in his ankle when he fell awkwardly in the last Indian League match against Bangladesh at the DY Patil Stadium, forcing the scintillating opener to the last minute like Shafali Verma in the tournament.
Smriti Mandhana was in no mood to give even a flat after the celebrations ended in Delhi
Opener Yastika Bhatia had to miss the tournament as she picked up an injury (injuring her left knee) at the pre-World Cup camp in Vizag.Women’s cricket has seen remarkable improvement in recent years due to the BCCI’s efforts towards it and the introduction of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in early 2023. Playing alongside top players in WPL teams has helped Indian women cricketers gain awareness and awareness about fitness and nutrition. Yet injuries continue to cast a shadow over the careers of many talented Indian players.With the franchises making last-minute preparations for the WPL auction, the fitness of some of the Indian and overseas players will be a deciding factor in their buying decisions. “Many of the Indian players have been dealing with recurring injuries, raising concerns about their long-term careers,” a franchise official said. The franchises feel that the BCCI may need to implement a structured rehabilitation and fitness program to ensure that the Indian players can maintain peak performance and longevity. “With the WPL becoming a marquee event, player fitness is no longer an individual concern – it is a strategic priority for franchises and the BCCI. A comprehensive injury management program could be the difference between a short-lived career and sustained excellence in women’s cricket,” opined a franchise official.TOI takes a look at the players under the injury scanner for WPL-4…
Kashvee Gautam (pacer)
A promising 22-year-old all-rounder whose fitness has been a major concern. Kashvee, who was bought by Gujarat Giants for a record ₹2 crore in Season 2 with much fanfare, missed the entire season due to injury. Although she appeared in Season 3, her performance suggested that she was not fully fit. She suffered a similar injury after the season and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. Her return to full fitness remains uncertain.
Priya Mishra (leg spinner)
The young competitor showed great potential on her feet, but suffered a shin injury that ruled her out of action. While she has been attending World Cup training, her fitness and fielding struggles remain a concern. The timeline for her return is unclear.
Pratika Rawal (Opener)
Pratika, a key contributor to India’s successful World Cup campaign in the league stage, who has shown amazing consistency in ODIs since her debut against West Indies in Vadodara in December last year, missed the semi-final and final due to a fractured ankle, suffered when she felt awkward while fielding in the deep field in India’s last league match against Bangladesh at the Navi DY Patil Stadium at the DY Patil Stadium. Unsold in WPL-2025, Pratika is likely to miss the WPL season due to her injury.
Pooja Vastrakar (pace bowling all-rounder)
A key all-rounder for India and Mumbai Indians in the WPL in the past, Vastrakar has had a history of injuries, including knee and hamstring issues. Although she missed WPL-2025 due to injury, the 26-year-old pacer played a key role in MI’s title in the inaugural season in 2023. The skipper is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru.
Yastika Bhatia (Goalkeeper, India)
Yastika, a top batsman and wicketkeeper, was ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a knee injury in the pre-tournament camp in Vizag. Yastika finally underwent surgery in Mumbai. The 24-year-old left-arm opener is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the CoE.
Asha Sobhana (foot cake, India)
The 34-year-old Royal Challengers Bengaluru player, who has played two WODIs and six WT20Is for India, has struggled with recurring shoulder problems. The veteran tweaker has been sidelined since the Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE in October last year with a knee injury. A key player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who was the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker (12 scalps) in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 2024 WPL triumph, Asha has missed WPL-2025 due to injury. If Asha is fit again and available throughout the season, she could be a hot buy for teams.
Kate Cross (rally bowling, England)
England’s highly experienced pacer, who was overlooked for the World Cup, has had intermittent injuries, including a back injury during England’s tour of South Africa last year. Her participation will be subject to medical clearance from the England and Wales Cricket Board and her workload management. She was part of the Northern Superchargers side that won The Women’s Hundred Crown and the Lancashire side that won the inaugural Women’s Metro Bank One Day Cup this summer.
Sophie Molineux (left-arm spinner, Australia)
Known for her all-round ability, Sophie has battled numerous injuries over the years, including shoulder and foot problems. Franchises will consider her fitness before making big offers. Captain of defending champions Melbourne Renegades in the Women’s Big Bash League, the 27-year-old missed the start of the tournament with a minor quad strain, although she played three matches on her return to action.
Alyssa Healy
Australia’s captain and star goalkeeper suffered a calf injury during the World Cup that saw her miss her team’s league wins over England and South Africa. She also suffered a nasty finger injury in the past. The franchises are unsure of her eligibility for the WPL. Her experience and class make her a valuable asset, but her fitness will be a key factor in determining whether the franchises will be a good fit for her. There is a strong possibility that the UP Warriorz will try to buy her back via the Right-to-Match card.
