Pratika Rawal, born on September 1, 2000, in Delhi, India, is a right-handed batter and right-arm off-break bowler who has recently emerged as a notable talent in Indian women’s cricket. Her journey from a psychology student to an international cricketer is both unconventional and inspiring.
Early Life and Education
Pratika’s passion for cricket ignited at the age of 10. Despite her initial academic focus on psychology, she eventually dedicated herself entirely to cricket, a decision that has significantly shaped her career
Domestic Career
Representing Delhi in domestic cricket, Pratika has been a consistent performer. She gained prominence with a remarkable 161-run innings off 155 balls in 2021. In her debut year, she accumulated 247 runs at an impressive average of 49.50. Over the next two seasons, she approached the 1,000-run mark in List-A cricket, scoring 552 runs in 14 matches during the 2022-23 season, including five half-centuries. The following year, she amassed 411 runs in seven innings, featuring two centuries and two fifties, with an average of 68.50.
Her performances in the inaugural Women’s Delhi Premier League were noteworthy, representing the East Delhi Riders and scoring 93 runs in two matches. Additionally, she captained Delhi to the final of the 2024 Under-23 T20 Trophy, showcasing her leadership abilities.
International Debut
On December 22, 2024, Pratika made her One Day International (ODI) debut against the West Indies women’s team, becoming the 150th player to represent the India women’s cricket team. In her debut match, she scored 40 runs off 69 balls, demonstrating her potential at the international level.
Playing Style and Role
As an opening batter, Pratika is known for her right-handed batting and right-arm off-break bowling. Her consistent performances and ability to play significant innings have made her a valuable asset to her teams.
Future Prospects
Pratika’s rapid rise in Indian women’s cricket, marked by her domestic success and recent international debut, indicates a promising future. Her dedication and performance suggest she will continue to be a key player for India in the coming years.