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Massive Blow for India! Superstar Batter Ruled Out of Asia Cup and Asian Games, BCCI Names Replacement…
Jemimah Rodrigues has been ruled out of two major assignments after suffering a high-grade hamstring injury, with Pratika Rawal named as her replacement for the Women’s Asia Cup.
India’s women’s cricket team has suffered a major setback ahead of two important international tournaments, with star batter Jemimah Rodrigues ruled out of both the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 and the Asian Games 2026.
The BCCI confirmed on Friday that Rodrigues sustained a right hamstring injury while playing for Southern Brave in The Hundred in England earlier this month. A medical assessment at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru has now confirmed a high-grade tear.
The 25-year-old batter picked up the injury on August 3 while playing against Welsh Fire. Following further medical evaluation, the severity of the injury meant that Rodrigues would not be available for either of India’s upcoming assignments.
BCCI names Pratika Rawal as replacement
With Rodrigues unavailable, the Women’s Selection Committee has named Pratika Rawal as her replacement in India’s squad for the Women’s Asia Cup.
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Rawal returns to the national setup after featuring prominently for India A and will now have an opportunity to make an impact in a major tournament.
The Women’s Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in Dubai from August 28 to September 13. India have been placed alongside Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong in the group stage, with the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash scheduled for September 5.
Jemimah’s absence a major concern
Rodrigues has become an important part of India’s white-ball batting unit, offering the team a combination of stability, attacking strokeplay and experience in the middle order.
Her absence means Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and the rest of the batting group will have greater responsibility during the Asia Cup.
India’s updated Asia Cup squad includes Harmanpreet Kaur as captain, Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain, along with Shafali Verma, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, G. Kamalini, Arundhati Reddy, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud and Pratika Rawal.
Asian Games plans also hit
The injury is an even bigger setback because Rodrigues will also miss the Asian Games 2026 in Japan.
The Asian Games cricket competition is scheduled to take place as part of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games. While Rawal has been confirmed as the replacement for the Asia Cup, a replacement for Rodrigues in the Asian Games squad has not yet been announced.
India enter the Asian Games as one of the strongest teams in the women’s cricket competition and will be hoping to challenge for the gold medal.
India face a crucial period
The timing of Rodrigues’ injury could hardly be more significant. With the Asia Cup beginning later this month and the Asian Games following in September, India now have to adjust their plans at a crucial stage of the international calendar.
For Pratika Rawal, however, the development presents a major opportunity. She will now be expected to step into the squad and help fill the gap left by one of India’s key batters.
For India, the immediate priority will be to manage the setback without allowing it to derail preparations for two tournaments where expectations remain high.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ absence is undoubtedly a major blow — but it could also open the door for a new Indian star to make her mark on the international stage.
