Why Star Batter Pratika Rawal Missed Out on World Cup Winner’s Medal Despite Powering India’s Triumph

India’s women’s cricket team created history by winning the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final at the DY Patil Stadium. But amid the celebrations, a bittersweet moment unfolded for one of India’s standout performers — Pratika Rawal, who, despite her vital contribution, did not receive a winner’s medal.

⭐ A Top Performer Left Without a Medal

Rawal, one of India’s most consistent batters through the tournament, was the team’s second-highest run-getter and the fourth-highest overall in the competition. She scored 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33, including a match-winning century in the virtual quarter-final against New Zealand.

However, after suffering an injury during the match against Bangladesh, she was replaced by Shafali Verma in the squad. Under ICC regulations, medals are awarded only to the 15 players officially listed in the squad for the final, which meant that while Shafali received a medal (and went on to win the Player of the Match award in the final), Pratika did not.

❤️ Team Celebrates with Rawal

Despite missing out on the medal, Rawal joined her teammates during the celebrations, arriving in a wheelchair to share the historic moment. The players made sure she felt part of the victory, acknowledging her key role in India’s road to glory.

🏏 Similar Cases in Cricket History

Pratika’s story mirrors that of Jason Gillespie in the 2003 Men’s World Cup, where the Australian pacer played crucial matches before an injury ruled him out mid-tournament. Gillespie later wrote about the heartbreak of missing the final celebrations in his autobiography.

⚖️ Regulations Under Spotlight

The incident has once again sparked debate over ICC’s medal distribution policy, with fans and experts arguing that players who contribute significantly before injury replacements should also be recognised for their role in a team’s championship success.