New Delhi: Pratika Rawal has experienced a rapid ascent within international cricket, characterized by a remarkable sense of control that has defined her journey since her teenage years. The 25-year-old opener, who opted for cricket over a promising career in basketball, has quickly established herself as one of India’s most reliable top-order batters.
Rawal made her debut in December of last year during India’s home series against the West Indies, and in less than a year, she has positioned herself among the most promising names in women’s cricket. She achieved the milestone of 1000 ODI runs in just 23 innings, becoming one of the fastest players to reach this mark, alongside Australia’s Lindsay Reeler.
In partnership with Smriti Mandhana, Rawal has also made a significant impact. The duo has amassed 1799 runs in just 23 matches, ranking them fifth among the most effective opening combinations in women’s cricket history. Notably, they hold the highest average among elite partnerships, reflecting their consistency and synergy at the top of the order.
The recent World Cup presented a mix of emotions for Rawal. Although her initial performances were subdued, she delivered a standout innings in a crucial match against New Zealand, scoring 122 runs that propelled India into the knockout stage. This innings was lauded for its controlled resilience.
However, her tournament took an unfortunate turn when she suffered a fractured ankle after slipping on a wet outfield in Navi Mumbai, forcing her to withdraw from the competition earlier than expected. Rawal discussed the incident candidly, stating, “I am not a person who shows much emotion. I screamed. Harleen Deol, who was at long-on, knew something was wrong as I do not usually show pain. I stood up because I don’t like going out on a stretcher, that’s just me. I walked into the dressing room, and my only concern was when I could go to bat,” she told SportStar.
Despite her injury, Rawal remained involved in the team’s progression through the tournament. When India claimed its first World Cup title, Mandhana ensured that Rawal was included in the celebrations, bringing her onto the field in a wheelchair as the squad celebrated.
Reflecting on her injury and the missed opportunity during the final, Rawal remarked, “These things can happen to any player. It’s a part of sport. This isn’t in my control. The only thing I could do was nurse my ankle properly. I began calculating how long it would take me to get back on the field. It was all about what to do next. All the emotions I didn’t show, my dad did. I ended up having to calm him down then.”
