Amid the confetti, cheers, and chants of ‘Bharat Mahan!’ after India’s historic India Women’s World Cup 2025 victory, one moment melted hearts across the nation: opener Pratika Rawal, seated in a wheelchair due to an ankle injury, dancing joyfully with captain Harmanpreet Kaur and star batter Jemimah Rodrigues. Though she couldn’t bat in the final, her spirit was very much on the field—and her emotional celebration became a powerful symbol of team unity .
More Than a Substitute: Pratika’s Silent Strength
Pratika Rawal was originally named in India’s playing XI for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final. But a late ankle injury during warm-ups forced her withdrawal, paving the way for Shafali Verma’s explosive 87-run innings that helped secure the trophy . Instead of retreating to the sidelines, Pratika chose to be present—in full team gear, from her wheelchair, cheering every boundary and wicket with unshakeable enthusiasm.
“Her energy lifted us even more,” Harmanpreet later shared in a post-match interview. “Pratika’s been with us through every high and low. This win is hers too.”
The Viral Dance That Captured a Nation’s Emotion
Shortly after the final ball, as the team gathered for photos, Jemimah wheeled Pratika into the center of the circle. What followed was an impromptu, tearful dance—arms raised, smiles wide, eyes glistening. The video, shared by the BCCI within minutes, quickly went viral, amassing over 10 million views in 24 hours .
Users flooded social media with messages like “This is real sportsmanship” and “Inclusion isn’t a slogan—it’s this.” Even cricketers from rival teams, including South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, commented: “That’s the true spirit of cricket.”
Shafali’s Shine, Pratika’s Sacrifice: A Shared Triumph
While Shafali Verma rightly earned Player of the Match honors for her match-defining knock, she was quick to credit Pratika. “I was playing for her as much as for myself,” Shafali said. “She texted me before the match: ‘Go smash it like I would have.’ That gave me chills.”
This seamless transition—where one player’s loss became another’s opportunity, without resentment or bitterness—highlighted the depth of camaraderie in this Indian squad, often cited as the most united in recent memory.
Behind the Scenes: Pratika’s Journey to the World Cup
Pratika, 23, hails from Jaipur and rose through the domestic circuit with consistent performances for Rajasthan. Her selection in the World Cup squad was a dream realized—only for injury to strike at the worst possible time. Yet, teammates say she never showed despair. “She was in the dugout giving tactical inputs till the last over,” revealed coach Amol Muzumdar .
What This Moment Means for Indian Cricket
Pratika’s presence—and that spontaneous wheelchair dance—has sparked a broader conversation about inclusion in sports:
- Cricket academies are now discussing adaptive training for injured athletes.
- The BCCI is reportedly fast-tracking a policy for “emotional inclusion” in team celebrations.
- Disability advocacy groups have praised the moment as a rare, positive portrayal of mobility aids in Indian sport.
Tribute in Numbers: Pratika’s 2025 World Cup Journey
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Matches Played (Before Injury) | 6 |
| Runs Scored | 187 |
| Injury Occurred | Day of the final (Nov 2, 2025) |
| Team Role During Final | Morale booster, strategic support from dugout |
| Social Media Impact | 10M+ views on dance video in 24 hours |
A Legacy Beyond the Trophy
The India Women’s World Cup 2025 will be remembered not just for the win—but for moments like Pratika’s dance. In a sport often obsessed with stats and star power, this quiet act of joy reminded everyone that cricket, at its best, is about heart, humanity, and holding each other up—on and off the field.
Sources
Times of India – “Pratika’s wheelchair dance with Jemimah and Harman steals hearts after India’s win”
ICC Match Report, Women’s World Cup 2025 Final
BCCI Official Social Media, November 2, 2025
Coach Amol Muzumdar, post-final press conference
URL: Times of India – Original Article