Introduction
Pratika Rawal, a 24-year-old (Pratika Rawal age) all-rounder, 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) [Pratika Rawal height in feet], has recently made headlines with her impressive performances for the Indian women’s cricket team. Making her ODI debut against the West Indies on December 22, 2024, Rawal has quickly become a key player for India.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 1, 2000, Pratika grew up in New Delhi, where she attended Modern School, Barakhamba Road. She excelled academically, securing 92.5% in her CBSE Class XII exams, with top scores in English and Psychology 2. She later graduated with a degree in psychology from Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi.
Cricket Career
Pratika’s journey in cricket began at the tender age of four, encouraged by her father, Pradeep Rawal, a BCCI-certified Level II umpire. She trained under veteran coach Sharvan Kumar at the Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy, where she honed her skills alongside boys of her age. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she led Delhi to the final of the Under-23 T20 Trophy in 2022 (Pratika Rawal ipl).
Rise to International Cricket
Pratika’s all-round abilities caught the eye of selectors, and she was named India’s 150th ODI cricketer. In her debut match, she scored 76 runs off 86 balls and took two crucial wickets, helping India post their highest-ever ODI total of 358 against the West Indies. Her performance was instrumental in India’s dominant 115-run win in the second ODI at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.
Other Sporting Achievements
Apart from cricket, Pratika has also excelled in basketball, winning a gold medal at the 64th School National Games in Delhi in January 2019. Her friends and family describe her as a friendly, helpful, and grounded individual who balances her sporting ambitions with her academic pursuits.
Cricketing Journey
Rawal’s cricketing journey began at the age of 10, when she started training under coach Sharvan Kumar at Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy. She later trained under former cricketer Dipti Dhyani and Delhi women’s team coach Dishant Yagnik. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she made her List A debut for Delhi against Jharkhand on October 31, 2021.
Domestic Career
Rawal played for Delhi from 2021 to early 2024, showcasing her talent and consistency. She then moved to Railways in 2024, where she continued to excel in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy and Senior Women’s T20 Trophy. Her standout performance came in the 2023–24 Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, where she scored 411 runs from eight matches, including two centuries and a top score of 141.
International Career
Rawal’s international career took off in December 2024 when she earned her maiden call-up for the national team for the ODI series against the West Indies. She made her One Day International debut against the West Indies on December 22, 2024, becoming the 150th ODI cricketer for India. Her impressive performances in the series, including scores of 40, 76, and 18, showcased her adaptability and form.
Recent Achievements
In the ongoing series against Ireland, Rawal has been in stellar form. She slammed a solid 67 runs from 61 balls in the second ODI at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on January 12, 2025. This was her third fifty in women’s ODIs and a second one in succession. Her partnership with Smriti Mandhana, which yielded 156 runs, laid a strong foundation for India’s victory.
Psychology and Cricket
Rawal credits her psychology studies for helping her excel in cricket. She revealed that her education in psychology has positively impacted her approach to the game, helping her stay calm and focused on the field. She practices positive self-talk before and during matches, which keeps her confident and composed.
Future Prospects
With her consistent performances and mental resilience, Pratika Rawal is poised to become a key player for the Indian women’s cricket team. Her ability to handle pressure and maintain composure on the field makes her a valuable asset for the team. As she continues to grow and develop her skills, the future looks bright for this young cricketer.
Conclusion
Pratika Rawal’s journey from a psychology student to an international cricketer is an inspiring tale of dedication, hard work, and passion. As she continues to make her mark on the cricket field, fans eagerly await more of her remarkable performances.