The world of cricket has witnessed the rise of a new star in Indian women's cricket Pratika Rawal She made her One Day International (ODI) debut against West Indies on 22 December 2024. She started well by hitting 40 runs in her first match. However, Pratika showed her immense talent and class in the subsequent second ODI. She registered a brilliant innings of 76 runs off 86 deliveries, including 10 fours and a six. Let's take an in-depth look at who Pratika is, her journey and what she brings to the Indian team.
Early life and education
Born on September 1, 2000 in Delhi, Pratika is not just a cricketer but a multi-faceted personality. She excelled academically, scoring 92.5% in her CBSE Class 12 exams in 2019, before graduating in Psychology from Delhi University. Her educational background highlights her as a scholar-athlete, balancing academics with her cricketing aspirations.
Cricket journey
Pratika's love for cricket started at the age of 10. With her father's encouragement, Pradeep Rawala Level II referee accredited by the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) with Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA)She embarked on her cricketing journey. She initially played basketball, even winning a gold medal at the 64th National School Games in Delhi in January 2019, before devoting herself entirely to cricket.
- Local occupation: Pratika has been a consistent performer at the local level, representing Delhi. She was the second highest scorer in the last edition of Senior Women's One-Day Cupamassed 411 runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 68.50, including two centuries with a top score of 141.
- Leadership and development: In addition to her batting prowess, Pratika has shown leadership qualities, having captained Delhi in the 2024 Under-23 T20 Cup, taking her team to the final. Her coaches have noticed her growth as a player, praising her adaptability and maturity.
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International debut for Team India
On 22 December 2024, Pratika became the 150th player to represent India Women in ODI matches. Her debut was marked by great achievement. I've been involved with Smriti Mandhana to form a 100-run opening partnership, making them the third Indian pair to achieve the feat with a debutant. Although she scored 40 points in her debut match, her calm demeanor and technique were evident, showing her potential on the international stage.
Playing style and strengths
Pratika is a right-handed batsman known for her powerful technique and flexibility at the crease. Her ability to score runs consistently in domestic cricket at a strike rate of 75.58 during her List A career indicates her ability to adapt to the pace of the game. Additionally, she bowls the ball loosely right-arm, adding depth to India's bowling options.
Future prospects despite WPL disdain
While she remained unsold in the WPL 2025 auction with a base price of INR 10 lakh, her performance in international cricket could change that narrative. As India looks to build a strong squad for future tournaments, Pratika's inclusion appears to be a step in the right direction, providing depth and the promise of a bright future.
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This article was first published in WomenCricket.comA Cricket times a company.