The cricketing world has witnessed the rise of Pratika Rawal, the newest star in Indian women's cricket, who made her One Day International (ODI) debut against the West Indies on December 22, 2024. Right from the get-go, Rawal showcased her potential, scoring 40 runs in her first match, but truly shone during the second ODI, notching up 76 runs from 86 deliveries, featuring ten boundaries and one six.
Born on September 1, 2000, in Delhi, Pratika is not just showcasing her prowess on the field but also excelling academically. Before graduating with top honors in psychology from Delhi University, she achieved commendable scores of 92.5% in her CBSE Class 12 examinations. This remarkable balance of scholarly and sporting aspirations highlights her as a true scholar-athlete.
Pratika’s passion for cricket ignited at the tender age of ten, when she was encouraged by her father, Pradeep Rawal, who has deep ties to the cricketing world as a BCCI-certified Level-II umpire for the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). Interestingly, before fully committing to cricket, she also showed exceptional talent in basketball, clinching gold at the 64th School National Games held in January 2019.
Her steely determination led her to Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy, where she trained under the esteemed coach Sharvan Kumar. Notably, Sharvan was taken aback by her enthusiasm for the sport, recalling, "She was the first girl who trained at my academy. Before her, I would only work with boys..." After her debut match, he expressed pride at witnessing her reach the international arena, calling it emotional yet fulfilling.
Pratika’s domestic performances have set the stage for her ascent. She was the second-highest run-scorer during the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, recording 411 runs in just eight matches with an astonishing average of 68.50, including two centuries and a top score of 141. Her leadership capabilities have also not gone unnoticed; as captain of the Delhi Under-23 team, she steered the squad to the final of the T20 Trophy.
Upon her entry to the national squad, Pratika joined the ranks of 150 players representing India Women in ODIs. The ICC Women's ODI series saw her join forces with senior player Smriti Mandhana, their partnership resulting in 110 runs for the opening stand, showcasing the potential of this dynamic duo. India clinched the first ODI matchup with a commanding victory of 211 runs, as the team posted 314 runs, leaving the West Indies reeling at just 103.
Reflecting on her debut, Pratika exhibited composure and technical acumen, and her second outing solidified her position when she scored 76 runs. "After her, three other girls from my academy went on to play international cricket, and she has always been exceptionally talented," Sharvan remarked, emphasizing the potential he sees in her.
Pratika's playing style is characterized as solid and versatile; she is a right-handed batter with the capability to pivot between different batting orders if required. Alongside her batting skills, she also contributes to the team as a right-arm off-spin bowler, adding valuable depth to the squad.
Despite seeing no bids during the WPL 2025 auction, with her base price set at 10 lakh INR, Pratika's recent exploits on the international stage could pave the way for recognition and opportunities. The Indian team is currently building for future tournaments, and she is considered pivotal to their plans due to her promising talent.
Coaches like Dipti Dhyani recognize her growth over the years, noting her adaptability on the field and the hurdles she has overcome. "This is just the start for her, and she has lots to learn," Dhyani stated, capturing the duality of Pratika's abilities and the road ahead.
With her remarkable skill set and competitive spirit, Pratika Rawal is on the brink of becoming one of the anchors of the Indian women's cricket team. Her cricketing odyssey is just beginning, and fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as she embarks on this thrilling chapter of her sports career.
