Injured Pratika Rawal finally receives World Cup medal: Details here
What's the story
After a long wait, Pratika Rawal has finally received her coveted ICC Women's World Cup medal. The moment was special as she met Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with her victorious Team India members. The meeting took place at PM Modi's official residence on Wednesday after India won their maiden WODI World Cup. Pratika played a crucial role in India's campaign before getting ruled out due to an ankle injury.
Player profile
Rawal's impressive run in the lead-up to the final
Pratika Rawal was a key player for Team India before her ankle injury ruled her out of the WODI World Cup. Despite her absence, she had an impressive run as the team's second-highest run-scorer. She slammed 308 runs, including a century and a half-century. Her contributions were instrumental, though she missed out on the winner's medal due to ICC regulations.
Emotional impact
Watching from the stands was more difficult than playing: Rawal
Despite being sidelined by an injury, Pratika Rawal watched her team win the World Cup from the bench. She expressed her feelings, saying, "I can't express enough. There are no words. It's not going to come out of my mouth. This flag on my shoulder means a lot to me." She added that watching the match was more difficult than playing it due to the energy and emotion in the crowd.
Rule clarification
Why Rawal missed out on the winner's medal
According to the ICC regulations, the tournament medals are given only to the final 15 members of the squad. As Rawal was replaced by Shafali Verma before the semi-final due to her injury, she didn't receive the winner's medal. However, Rawal was seen wearing the medal at the PM's residence. This means that the ICC has moulded its rules in favor of Rawal.
Injury
Rawal suffered the injury while fielding
Rawal suffered the injury while fielding during India's last league-stage match against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai. It occurred in the 21st over when Sharmin Akhter hit Deepti Sharma at deep midwicket. While Rawal chased after the ball, her foot got stuck in the turf, and she twisted her ankle before falling. Rawal was seen in pain, clutching her ankle. Although a stretcher was brought for her, she managed to get up with the help of medical staff and left.