Indian women’s team player Pratika Rawal, who was ruled out of the iconic Women’s World Cup tournament after suffering an ankle injury, celebrated the team’s victory in a wheelchair at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on November 2. Despite the injury she sustained during the series, the 24-year-old opener decided to take part in the celebration of her first World Cup title.
In yesterday’s match, India beat South Africa by 52 runs even after the designated opener for the Indian team was forced to sit out the final group stage match against Bangladesh. The celebrations of the historic achievement will become even more special after the injured opener was unable to walk and threw away the seats in the arena. After India lifted their first ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy, she pushed herself in a wheelchair.
In a post on X, Pratika Rawal shared a photo from the celebrations and wrote, “I couldn’t fight on the field but my heart never left the match with every cheer every tear was mine too🥺🏆.”
At the World Cup presentation ceremony, Smriti Mandhana’s adorable step left fans in awe. The vice-captain of the Indian cricket team brought a wheelchair-bound Pratika Rawal to the podium to receive her victory medal.
Opener Pratika Rawal batted in six innings for World Cup 2025. The final day of the WWC was a bittersweet moment for Pratika who scored 308 runs in the tournament and secured an average of 51.33.
After India sealed a 52-run victory against South Africa, Pratika Rawal was seen proudly waving the tricolor. The teammates made sure that the injured opener, who was helping the Indian team on its way, did not feel left out of the celebrations. Her wheelchair was placed next to the shining trophy.
Reaction on social networks
While many praised the sweet moment, others recognized the team’s unity. Social media was abuzz after the heartfelt moment went viral.
User wrote: “It’s a real partnership!!”
Another user commented: “That’s a seriously sweet moment to capture!”
A third user said: “Pratika Rawal didn’t get a medal but they got her on the podium🥹PRATIKA YOU MUST HAVE BEEN A BRAVE GIRL THERE♥️.”
A fourth comment read: “This is what true sportsmanship and humanity looks like. Pure love and respect.”
A fifth user said: “The camaraderie on this team was inspiring. They played as a team. That was a real win.”
A sixth user responded: “That’s the moment! Smriti Mandhana pushing Pratika Rawal onto the podium shows the true heart of #INDW – even though she’s injured, she’s part of the team that finally lifted the Women’s ODI World Cup after all these years. Pure goosebumps!”
Shafali Verma, who replaced Pratika Rawal after injury, proved to be a hidden gem as she led India to a famous victory by smashing 87 runs and taking 2 crucial wickets in seven overs. India posted a target of 298 runs to win the World Cup title but managed to bowl out the opposition for 246 runs.
