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The cricket world has witnessed the rise of a new star of Indian women’s cricket with Pratika Rawal making his One Day International (ODI) debut against West Indies on December 22, 2024. He started well with a 40-run knock in his first game. However, Pratika showed his immense talent and class in the subsequent second ODI. He scored 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.
Education and early life
Born on September 1, 2000 in Delhi, Pratika is not just a cricketer but a multi-faceted individual. He excelled academically, scoring 92.5% in his CBSE Class 12 exams in 2019, before graduating in psychology from Delhi University. Her academic background marks her out as a scholar-athlete, balancing academics with her cricketing aspirations.
cricket trip
Pratika’s love for cricket began when she was ten years old. Encouraged by her father, Pradeep Rawalwho is a Level II referee certified by the BCCI with the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA)embarked on his journey in cricket. He initially played basketball, even winning a gold medal at the 64th National School Games in Delhi in January 2019, before dedicating himself fully to cricket.
- Domestic career: Pratika has been a consistent performer at the national level, representing Delhi. She was the second highest run scorer in the last edition of the Senior Women’s One Day Trophyamassing 411 runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 68.50, including two centuries with a top score of 141.
- Leadership and development: Beyond her batting prowess, Pratika has demonstrated leadership qualities as she captained Delhi in the 2024 Under-23 T20 Trophy and led her team to the final. Her growth as a player has been noted by her coaches, praising her adaptability and maturity.
Also READ: BCCI ends tentative window for Women’s Premier League 2025: Reports
Team India’s international debut
On 22 December 2024, Pratika became the 150th player to represent India Women in ODIs. His debut was marked by a significant achievement; she associated with Smriti Mandhana to form a 100-run opening pair, making them the third Indian opening pair to achieve this feat with a debutant. Despite scoring 40 runs in his debut match, his calm demeanor and technique were evident, showing his potential on the international stage.
Playing style and strengths
Pratika is a right-handed batsman known for her solid technique and stamina at the crease. His ability to score runs consistently in domestic cricket with a strike rate of 75.58 throughout his List A career suggests that he can adapt to the pace of the game. Additionally, he bowls right-arm spin, which adds depth to India’s bowling options.
Future prospects despite WPL snub
While he remained unsold in the WPL 2025 auction with a base price of INR 10 lakh, his performance in international cricket could change that narrative. As India look to build a strong team for future tournaments, Pratika’s inclusion looks like a step in the right direction, offering depth and the promise of a bright future.
READ ALSO: WPL 2025 Auction: Full list of players sold with their price
This article was first published on WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times business.
