Pratika Rawal Emerges as a Star in Women’s Cricket for India

India’s Pratika Rawal has quickly established herself as a formidable player in women’s cricket. At just 25 years old, the right-handed opening batter is a vital member of the Indian squad competing in the Women’s World Cup. With an impressive batting average nearing 50 after 21 one-day internationals, she is being hailed as one of the country’s next big stars.

Born in Delhi into a cricket-enthusiastic family, Pratika was introduced to the sport at an incredibly young age. Her father, Pradeep Rawal, a university-level cricketer and BCCI Level 2 umpire, recognized her talent early on. “I didn’t have the means or guidance to make it in cricket, so when Pratika was just three years old, I started teaching her,” he shared.

Pradeep’s steadfast support has been crucial in a country where women’s cricket often struggles for visibility. “I knew, irrespective of gender, cricket would be in my children’s genes since I’ve dedicated my whole life to the sport,” he said. Pratika’s journey in cricket began to gain momentum when she was just ten years old, impressing her father during a school match against a senior college team where she scored over 50 runs.

Rising Through the Ranks

As Pratika advanced through various age groups, she caught the attention of former Indian player Deepti Dhyani, who became her coach. Deepti recognized Pratika’s potential early on, stating, “I saw her play a few drives and realized she had the capabilities.” She emphasized the importance of not just talent, but also the rigorous transformation required to excel in professional cricket.

Fitness has played a key role in Pratika’s development. Deepti noted, “We often think gym work means building bulky muscles, but it’s really about staying injury-free.” Pratika embraced this philosophy and focused on her physical conditioning from a young age, ensuring she remained fit for the demands of high-level competition.

In addition to her cricketing ambitions, Pratika pursued a degree in psychology, which has proved beneficial in understanding the mental aspects of the game. Her father explained, “In cricket, psychology plays a major role. It’s about reading the bowler’s mindset and dissecting situations better.”

Debut and Breakthrough Performances

Despite her consistent domestic performances, Pratika faced disappointment when she was overlooked in the previous year’s Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction. However, that setback was short-lived, as she received her first call-up to the national team shortly afterward. Pratika made her international debut against the West Indies in December 2024, and she has since made a significant impact, including a standout performance where she scored 154 runs against Ireland in only her sixth match.

Deepti expressed pride in Pratika’s achievements, affirming, “We were sure she would make it to the Indian team sooner or later. She just needed that one chance, and she made it count.” Since her debut, Pratika has accumulated seven fifties and one century, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.

In a recent group game during the World Cup against the formidable Australian team, Pratika demonstrated her skill by scoring 75 runs, contributing to a strong opening partnership of 155 with teammate Smriti Mandhana. While India has faced challenges, including defeats against Australia and South Africa, the team remains optimistic about reaching the semi-finals.

Pradeep shares his confidence, stating, “We will win this World Cup, I’m sure of it.” With high expectations for Pratika, he believes she will fulfill her role in the team’s quest for victory.

As Pratika Rawal continues to shine on the international stage, her journey reflects not only personal achievement but also the growing recognition of women’s cricket in India. With supportive family, dedicated coaching, and her own determination, she is set to leave a lasting mark on the sport.