From Psychology to Cricket: A Star is Born
Pratika Rawal’s journey to becoming India’s 150th capped ODI player is a tale of grit and determination. The 24-year-old Delhi-born batter made her international debut on December 22, 2024, in the first ODI against the West Indies at the Reliance Stadium, Vadodara. Her debut is a testament to years of hard work and consistent performances in domestic cricket. Rawal’s cricketing journey began unexpectedly, as she transitioned from studying psychology to pursuing her passion for cricket.
A Stellar Domestic Career
Rawal’s domestic cricket career has been nothing short of remarkable. Her ability to anchor innings and score consistently has set her apart. She first grabbed the spotlight during the 2021 domestic season with a stunning 155-ball 161 for Delhi. Her debut year saw her amass 247 runs at an average of 49.50. Over the following years, she cemented her position as one of the most reliable batters in Indian domestic cricket.
In the 2022-23 season, Rawal showcased her hunger for runs, scoring 552 runs across 14 games, including five half-centuries. The next season, she elevated her game further, scoring 411 runs in just seven innings at a staggering average of 68.50. This included two centuries and two fifties, making her one of the most prolific run-scorers in the domestic circuit.
List-A Excellence
Pratika Rawal’s List-A career statistics speak volumes about her consistency and skill. In 34 innings, she has scored 1,368 runs at an impressive average of 54.72 and a strike rate of 75.58. Her career includes eight fifties and four centuries, reflecting her ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different match situations. These numbers underline her readiness for the international stage.
Contributions in T20 Cricket
Rawal has also excelled in the shortest format of the game. Representing Railways in the Senior Women’s T20 competition, she scored 170 runs in seven innings, including two fifties. Her performances were pivotal in securing her team’s success and earning her recognition as a versatile batter. In the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy, she continued her fine form, scoring 142 runs in four matches with two half-centuries.
A Key Player for Delhi
At the youth level, Rawal was instrumental in Delhi’s success during the Under-23 One-Day Trophy. She scored a phenomenal 411 runs in seven innings, establishing herself as a reliable top-order batter. Her leadership skills came to the fore when she captained Delhi in the 2024 Under-23 T20 Trophy, leading her team to the final. These experiences have prepared her to handle the pressures of international cricket.
Shining in the Women’s Premier League
Pratika Rawal’s growing reputation in Indian cricket was further solidified when she was picked by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction. Representing the East Delhi Riders in the inaugural Women’s Delhi Premier League, she scored 93 runs in just two matches, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the competition. These performances highlighted her ability to excel in high-stakes matches.
The International Stage Beckons
Rawal’s call-up to the Indian women’s team is a culmination of her years of consistent performances. Making her debut against West Indies, she opened the batting alongside vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. Although her first international innings was modest, her potential to contribute significantly to the team’s success is undeniable.
What Makes Rawal Special?
Pratika Rawal’s cricketing journey stands out due to her technical proficiency and mental resilience. Her ability to play long innings and anchor the team’s batting has been a hallmark of her career. Additionally, her strike rotation and ability to find gaps make her a valuable asset in any format.
A Promising Future
As Rawal embarks on her international career, the expectations are high. Her performances in domestic cricket have set the stage for a promising journey in Indian colors. With a solid technique, hunger for runs, and the ability to perform under pressure, she is poised to become a mainstay in the Indian women’s cricket team.
Pratika Rawal’s story is a reminder of the talent present in Indian domestic cricket and the importance of perseverance. Her journey from a psychology student to an international cricketer is inspiring, and her debut marks the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career.
