On a memorable Sunday at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, Pratika Rawal achieved a significant milestone. She became India Women’s 150th ODI cricketer during the opening match against the Hayley Matthews-led West Indies team.
It was none other than the iconic Smriti Mandhana who presented Rawal with her maiden international cap, marking the start of what promises to be a remarkable journey.
A Star is Born: Rawal’s Rise to the Spotlight
The 24-year-old Pratika Rawal opened the batting alongside Smriti Mandhana, who had recently bagged the Player of the Series award in India’s 2-1 triumph over the Caribbean team. But who is this young talent, and what’s her story?
Rawal first turned heads in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy back in 2021. Her stellar performance, including 247 runs in seven matches at an impressive average of 49.40 and a strike rate of 78.41, put her firmly on the map. In one unforgettable inning, she smashed an unbeaten 161 off 155 balls,
decorated with 19 fours and five towering sixes, against Assam at the Maharana Pratap College ground in Dehradun.
Leadership and Achievements
Earlier in 2023, Pratika Rawal led Delhi to the final of the Under-23 T20 Trophy. Although her team narrowly missed out on the title, losing to Madhya Pradesh by just three runs, Rawal’s individual contributions were noteworthy. She was the second-highest run-scorer for Delhi, with 182 runs across nine matches at an average of 26 and a strike rate of 85.94.
In the previous season of the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, she continued to impress. Rawal emerged as the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 411 runs in eight matches. Her average of 68.50 and strike rate of 91.94 were complemented by two centuries, including a top score of 141.
These performances underlined her consistency and hunger for runs.
The Women’s Delhi Premier League and Beyond
Apart from her exploits in national tournaments, Pratika Rawal showcased her talent in the Women’s Delhi Premier League, where she played for the East Delhi Riders.
Her contributions in the league further solidified her reputation as a dependable batter with a knack for delivering under pressure.
Joining the Elite Club of ODI Cricketers
After the Women’s T20 World Cup held earlier this year in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India granted ODI caps to six emerging cricketers, including Pratika Rawal. The others in this elite group are Minnu Mani, Tejal Hasabnis, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor, and Priya Mishra. Notably,
Saima Thakor and Uttarakhand’s Raghvi Bist also made their T20I debuts against the West Indies earlier this month.
Smriti Mandhana: A Mentor and Teammate
Opening alongside Smriti Mandhana is no small feat. Mandhana, with her impeccable record and numerous accolades, serves as both an inspiration and a guiding force for Pratika Rawal.
Their partnership at the crease is a testament to the blend of experience and fresh talent that the Indian Women’s cricket team embodies.
What Makes Pratika Rawal Stand Out?
So, what sets Pratika Rawal apart from her peers? Her journey from a psychology student to an international cricketer is marked by sheer determination and an unwavering focus on her goals. Her ability to adapt and perform across various formats, coupled with her leadership qualities,
makes her a promising prospect for Indian cricket.
The Road Ahead
The debut against the West Indies is just the beginning for Pratika Rawal. With a solid foundation and the right guidance, she has all the tools to carve out a successful international career.
Fans and cricket enthusiasts will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on her progress in the coming years.
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Conclusion
Pratika Rawal is not just another name in the list of Indian women cricketers. She represents the future of the sport, a blend of talent, hard work, and resilience. Her journey from domestic cricket to wearing the Indian jersey is an inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the country.
As she embarks on this exciting chapter, one thing is clear: Indian cricket is in safe hands with talents like Pratika Rawal leading the charge.
