The cricketing world has witnessed the rise of a new star in Indian women’s cricket with Pratika Rawal making her One Day International (ODI) debut against the West Indies on December 22, 2024. She began well with a 40-run knock in her first game. However, Pratika showed her immense talent and class in the subsequent second ODI. She scored a brilliant innings of 76 runs from 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 multifaceted individual. She excelled academically, scoring 92.5% in her CBSE Class 12 examinations in 2019, before graduating in psychology from Delhi University. Her educational background highlights her as a scholar-athlete, balancing academics with her cricketing aspirations.
Cricketing journey
Pratika’s love for cricket began at the tender age of ten. Encouraged by her father, Pradeep Rawal, who is a BCCI-certified Level-II umpire with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), she embarked on her cricketing journey. She initially played basketball, even winning a gold medal at the 64th School National Games in Delhi in January 2019, before fully dedicating herself to cricket.
- Domestic career: Pratika has been a consistent performer at the domestic level, representing Delhi. She was the second-highest run-scorer in the latest edition of the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, amassing 411 runs in eight matches with an impressive average of 68.50, including two centuries with a top score of 141.
- Leadership and development: Beyond her batting prowess, Pratika has shown leadership qualities, having captained Delhi in the 2024 Under-23 T20 Trophy, leading her team to the final. Her growth as a player has been noted by her coaches, with her adaptability and maturity praised.
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International debut for Team India
On December 22, 2024, Pratika became the 150th player to represent India Women in ODIs. Her debut was marked by a significant achievement; she partnered with Smriti Mandhana to form a 100-run opening partnership, making them only the third Indian opening pair to achieve this feat with a debutant. Despite scoring 40 runs in her debut match, her calm demeanor and technique were evident, showcasing her potential on the international stage.
Playing style and strengths
Pratika is a right-handed batter known for her solid technique and resilience at the crease. Her ability to score runs consistently in domestic cricket with a strike rate of 75.58 over her List-A career suggests she can adapt to the tempo of the game. Additionally, she bowls right-arm off-spin, adding depth to India’s bowling options.
Future prospects despite WPL snub
While she remained unsold at the WPL 2025 auction with a base price of INR 10 lakh, her performance in international cricket could change that narrative. With India looking to build a strong team for future tournaments, Pratika’s inclusion seems like a step in the right direction, offering both depth and the promise of a bright future.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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