The Rise of Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal in Indian Women’s Cricket

India’s women’s cricket team has found a breath of fresh air at the top of the order with the new opening partnership of Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. As the team embarks on a rejuvenated chapter in One Day Internationals (ODIs), this dynamic duo has stolen the spotlight with their remarkable performances.

Stellar Performances: A Game-Changer

The opening pair has demonstrated exceptional synergy, amassing an impressive 701 runs in just six innings at an extraordinary average of 116.83. Notably, they have crossed the 100-run mark together four times, showcasing their ability to build substantial foundations for the innings. Their scoring rate of 6.94 runs per over has cemented their status as one of the most effective partnerships in women’s ODI cricket.

Historically, women’s cricket has seen 168 pairs score 500 runs together in ODIs, but Mandhana and Rawal have established themselves as the fastest duo to reach this milestone. Their average of 116.83 as an opening pair ranks second only to the legendary Denise Emerson and Jill Kennare, who scored 629 runs at an average of 125.8 in six innings.

Smriti Mandhana: The Experienced Pro

Smriti Mandhana, a veteran in the Indian line-up, has been carving her mark in the 50-over format since the start of 2024. With 996 runs in 16 innings at an average of 62.25 and a strike rate of 105.06, she has been the backbone of the batting order. Her performance includes five centuries and four fifties, underlining her status as one of the best batters in women’s cricket today.

Pratika Rawal: Rising Star

However, the most exciting development has been the emergence of Pratika Rawal. In her debut season, she has already racked up 444 runs in six ODIs at an impressive average of 74, including a century and three fifties. Her standout innings of 154 against Ireland Women in Rajkot not only highlighted her potential but also established her as a key player for the future of Indian cricket.

Rawal’s inclusion in the ODI squad for the series against the West Indies came at a critical time. She replaced Shafali Verma, who struggled to make an impact with a mere 176 runs at an average of 17.6 over her last ten innings, sparking discussions regarding her place in the team.

Shafali Verma: A Call for Return

Following her exclusion from the national team, Shafali Verma has showcased her capabilities in domestic cricket. She has emerged as the leading run-scorer in the Senior Women’s One-Day Challenger Trophy, accumulating 388 runs in four matches at an average of 97 and a strike rate of 146.96. Additionally, her performances in the domestic One-Day trophy have been remarkable, with 527 runs at an average of 75.28 for Haryana.

As the ODI World Cup approaches in August-September, the competition for spots within the squad intensifies. Shafali’s resurgence in domestic cricket raises critical questions: Will her performances warrant a recall to the national team, and how will she contend with the emergence of Rawal?

Looking Ahead: The Road to the World Cup

The road to the upcoming ODI World Cup is not just about individual brilliance but also about team dynamics. With Pratika Rawal’s remarkable start to her career, it becomes crucial for her to maintain consistent performances against top-tier teams. Meanwhile, Shafali Verma must capitalize on her domestic form to regain her place in the team.

For the Indian women’s cricket team, this is a defining moment. The synergy between Mandhana and Rawal could pave the way for unprecedented success in the World Cup. The blend of experience and youthful exuberance represents a promising future for the Indian batting line-up.

As fans, we can eagerly anticipate not just the statistics but the narratives that will unfold as these players continue to shape the landscape of women’s cricket in India. Will Shafali Verma reclaim her spot, or will Pratika Rawal establish herself as a mainstay? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Indian women’s cricket team is on the cusp of something special.