Pratika Rawal, born on September 1, 2000, in Delhi, India, is a promising cricketer who has made significant strides in women’s cricket. She bats right-handed and bowls right-arm off-break, primarily serving as an opening batter. Rawal represents Delhi and Railways in domestic cricket and has been a part of the Indian national team since December 2024.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Prem Nagar, Haryana, Rawal attended Modern School at Barakhamba Road in Delhi, where she excelled academically, achieving a 92.5% score in her CBSE 12th board exams. She pursued a degree in psychology at Jesus & Mary College in New Delhi. Beyond academics, she was an accomplished basketball player, securing a gold medal at the 64th School National Games in Delhi in January 2019.
Cricketing Journey
Pratika’s cricket journey began at the age of 10 when she started training at Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy under coach Sharvan Kumar. She further honed her skills under former cricketer Dipti Dhyani and Delhi women’s team coach Dishant Yagnik. Her father, Pradeep Rawal, is a BCCI-certified Level-II umpire with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA).
Domestic Career
In domestic cricket, Rawal has been a standout performer. In the Women’s One Day League (WODL), she has played 42 matches, amassing 1,812 runs at an average of 58.45, including five centuries and ten half-centuries, with a top score of 161*. She has also contributed with the ball, taking two wickets in 66 deliveries.
International Debut and Achievements
Rawal made her One Day International (ODI) debut for India on December 22, 2024, against the West Indies. In her brief international career, she has played six ODIs, scoring 444 runs at an impressive average of 74.00, including a maiden century of 154 runs against Ireland on January 15, 2025. She has also taken two wickets in 54 deliveries, showcasing her all-round capabilities.
On January 15, 2025, Rawal scored 154 runs against Ireland, contributing to India’s record-breaking total of 435/5 in an ODI match. This performance not only marked her first international century but also set a new benchmark for the highest total in women’s ODIs.
Pratika Rawal’s rapid ascent in international cricket underscores her talent and dedication, making her a player to watch in the coming years.
