India Women’s Team Faces Setback with Arundhati Reddy’s Practice Match Injury

India faced an injury concern ahead of their World Cup 2025 campaign when allrounder Arundhati Reddy had to be taken off the field during their first official warm-up game at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru on Thursday (September 25).

The incident happened during the 13th over of England’s innings after India, led by Jemimah Rodrigues, chose to bowl first. Following two consecutive no-balls and a six off the next delivery, Arundhati bowled a delivery that Heather Knight returned in her direction, accidentally striking her on the left knee.

Arundhati fell to the ground in pain and was assisted off the field by her teammates. She was later taken for a medical check-up at the CoE in a wheelchair. Skipper Rodrigues completed the remaining two deliveries of the over.

The extent or nature of Arundhati’s injury is yet to be confirmed. However, it was a positive sign that she was seen walking, though limping, during a rain delay. She is unlikely to participate further in the game with the World Cup opener just days away.

India has already been hit by an injury concern as Yastika Bhatia suffered an ACL tear during a skills camp in Vizag. Bhatia is doubtful for the Women’s Premier League in January-February 2026. Uma Chetry has been named as her replacement. Bhatia has undergone surgery and is expected to begin her rehabilitation at the CoE early next month.

The pace attack in the 15-member squad is led by Renuka Thakur, who returned in the series against Australia after a lengthy absence due to injury. Medium-pace allrounder Amanjot Kaur has not played since the ODI series in England. She was rested for the matches against Australia but has joined the team in Bengaluru, although she wasn’t in the playing eleven for the warm-up game. Kranti Goud is the other pacer in the World Cup squad.

India rested key players Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Pratika Rawal—all expected starters—for the practice match.