Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 27: Former India captain Mithali Raj has suggested that batter Harleen Deol could be promoted to open alongside Smriti Mandhana if injured opener Pratika Rawal fails to recover in time for India’s semifinal clash against Australia on Thursday.

Rawal, who has been one of India’s standout performers this tournament, twisted her right ankle while fielding at deep midwicket during the match against Bangladesh on Sunday. The incident occurred on the final ball of the 21st over at the DY Patil Stadium when her foot got stuck in the damp outfield.

“The question now is who opens with Smriti if Pratika isn’t fit to take the field on the 30th. The first option could be promoting number three, Harleen, since she’s often walked in early and is comfortable facing the new ball,” Mithali said on JioStar.

With Rawal nursing her injury, India tried a different combination, sending all-rounder Amanjot Kaur to open the innings against Bangladesh — a move Mithali found surprising. “Ideally, today was a great opportunity for Harleen to open and build that equation with Smriti, assuming Pratika might not be available. If Pratika is fit, the same batting line-up continues. But sending Amanjot to open was something I didn’t quite understand. Yes, she needed some time out in the middle, but perhaps she could’ve slotted in at number three instead of opening,” she added.

Rawal, 25, has been in exceptional form, scoring 308 runs in six innings at an impressive average of 51.33, including a century.

Mithali also mentioned wicketkeeper-batter Uma Chetry as another option for the top order. “The other option is Uma Chetry, but if Richa Ghosh returns as wicketkeeper, then Uma might sit out,” she said.

India will face defending champions Australia in the much-anticipated semifinal, with Rawal’s fitness expected to be a key factor in team selection.