Pratika Rawal, a name that is rapidly gaining recognition in the world of Indian women’s cricket, is setting the stage for a long and successful career. Known for her remarkable performance as an opening batter, Pratika’s story is one of hard work, passion, and undeniable talent. From making her international debut to smashing a historic 154 against Ireland, she has quickly become a player to watch in the world of cricket.
In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Pratika Rawal, her early beginnings, rise in domestic cricket, and the extraordinary feat that catapulted her into the spotlight.
Key Details
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pratika Rawal |
| Date of Birth | September 1, 2000 |
| Age | 24 years |
| Birthplace | Delhi, India |
| Father | Pradeep Rawal (BCCI-certified Level-II umpire) |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm offbreak |
| Playing Role | Opening Batter |
| Domestic Teams | Delhi (2021–2024), Railways (2024–present) |
| International Debut | December 22, 2024, against West Indies |
| Key Achievements | – Maiden International Century: 154 runs vs Ireland (Jan 15, 2025) – ODI Debut: 40 runs, 110-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana (Dec 22, 2024) – Player of the Match and Player of the Series (India vs Ireland ODI series, Jan 2025) |
| Notable Domestic Performances | – 161* runs off 155 balls vs Assam (2021–22 Senior Women’s One Day Trophy) – 411 runs with average of 68.5 in 2023–24 Senior Women’s One Day Trophy |
| Academic Background | Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Jesus & Mary College, New Delhi |
| Other Interests | Former basketball player, gold medalist at the 64th School National Games (2019) |
Early Life and Background
Born on September 1, 2000, in Delhi, Pratika Rawal was destined for greatness from a young age. Her father, Pradeep Rawal, is a BCCI-certified Level-II umpire for the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). This connection to cricket played a crucial role in Pratika’s early exposure to the sport.
She completed her schooling at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, where she excelled academically, scoring 92.5% in her CBSE board exams. Her love for sports didn’t stop with cricket; Pratika was also a talented basketball player, winning a gold medal at the 64th School National Games in Delhi in January 2019.
Pratika’s cricketing journey began at the age of 10, when she first picked up a bat. She trained under the guidance of coach Sharvan Kumar at Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy, which laid the foundation for her successful career.
Domestic Cricket Journey
Pratika Rawal’s domestic career began with Delhi, where she represented the state team from 2021 to early 2024. During her time with Delhi, she made an indelible mark.
- List A Debut: In October 2021, she made her List A debut for Delhi against Jharkhand in the 2021–22 Senior Women’s One Day Trophy. She scored an unbeaten 161 runs off 155 balls against Assam, showcasing her natural talent for the game.
- T20 Debut: She made her T20 debut for Delhi in the 2021–22 Senior Women’s T20 Trophy against Railways on April 21, 2022.
- Remarkable Performances: In the 2023–24 Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, Pratika scored 411 runs from eight matches, with an average of 68.50 and a strike rate of 91.94. She notched up two centuries, including a career-best 141.
In 2024, she made the switch to play for the Railways team in both the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy and Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, continuing her rise in domestic cricket.
Breaking into International Cricket
Pratika Rawal’s journey to the Indian national team was a result of her consistency and exceptional performances in domestic cricket. In December 2024, she earned her maiden call-up for the India women’s national cricket team for the ODI series against West Indies.
- Debut Match: Pratika made her ODI debut on December 22, 2024, against West Indies. In her debut match, she scored 40 runs, sharing a 110-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana.
- Maiden ODI Wicket: In the same match, Pratika also made an impact with the ball, taking her maiden ODI wicket, dismissing West Indies’ captain Hailey Matthews.
Her performance in the second ODI was even more impressive as she scored 76 runs and picked up two wickets, solidifying her place in the national team.
A Historic Century Against Ireland
On January 15, 2025, Pratika Rawal made history by scoring her maiden international century in the third ODI against Ireland at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Pratika’s innings of 154 runs from 129 balls was a brilliant display of skill, determination, and composure.
- Partnership with Mandhana: In that game, she shared an explosive 233-run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana (135), who also scored a century. This partnership helped India amass a total of 435/5, their highest-ever total in a 50-over ODI match.
For her exceptional performance, Pratika was awarded the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.
Pratika’s Unique Approach to Cricket
Pratika Rawal attributes much of her success to her academic background in psychology. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Jesus & Mary College, New Delhi. She believes that studying the human mind has significantly helped her on the cricket field.
In an interview, Pratika explained how understanding the mental processes both on and off the field has played a vital role in her performance. “I wanted to study about the human mind and how we mentally process things. It has helped me a lot in cricket as well,” she shared in a video titled ‘Pratika Rawal: Psychology meets Cricket’ by the BCCI on X.
Pratika Rawal’s Future in Indian Cricket
At just 24 years old, Pratika Rawal has already established herself as one of the brightest talents in Indian women’s cricket. Her impressive performances, both as a batter and bowler, make her a key player in the team’s future.
As she continues to evolve in international cricket, Pratika is poised to be a dominant force in the world of women’s cricket, with her eyes set on more records and accolades. Her story is one of inspiration, where hard work, passion, and a balanced mindset lead to success.
Conclusion
Pratika Rawal’s remarkable journey from Delhi to representing the Indian women’s cricket team is a testament to her dedication and talent. With her stunning century against Ireland and a series of strong performances in domestic cricket, she has firmly positioned herself as one of the brightest young cricketers in India.
As Pratika continues her career, we can expect to see much more from her in the coming years. With her technical prowess and psychological edge, Pratika is on track to become one of India’s most celebrated cricketers.
