**Pratika Rawal: India’s Rising Cricket Star and the Journey Behind Her Success**
Pratika Rawal, at just 25 years old, has already made significant waves in the world of women’s cricket. As a right-handed opening batter, she has become a crucial component of India’s national squad, particularly as they compete in the Women’s World Cup. Her ascent in the sport is not only a testament to her own talent and hard work but also a reflection of a supportive family environment and a relentless pursuit of excellence—both on and off the field.
**A Family’s Sporting Roots**
Pratika’s story begins in Delhi, India’s bustling capital, within a cricket-enthusiast family. Her father, Pradeep Rawal, played cricket at the university level and later became a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Level 2 umpire. Despite his passion and dedication, Pradeep was unable to pursue his own cricketing dreams due to lack of resources and guidance. Determined that his children would have the opportunities he missed, he introduced Pratika to cricket at the tender age of three.
For Pradeep, gender was never a barrier. He made it clear that he saw no difference between his son and daughter when it came to their aspirations. While his son gravitated toward engineering and showed little interest in cricket, Pratika took to the sport with enthusiasm and commitment. Pradeep’s philosophy was simple: “I don't differentiate between a daughter and a son. My son is an engineer and has no interest in cricket, but my daughter is playing cricket for India.”
**Early Signs of Talent**
Pratika’s natural ability was evident from a young age. When she was just ten, her school arranged a match against an older, senior college team. To the astonishment of everyone present, Pratika scored more than 50 runs, displaying poise and skill far beyond her years. Her father recalls this moment as a turning point, realizing then that his daughter was destined for something extraordinary in cricket.
As she progressed through the age-group ranks, Pratika's performances caught the attention of Deepti Dhyani, a former India player who would go on to become her coach. Deepti immediately recognized Pratika’s potential, particularly her technical prowess and coachability. “Most state-level players have talent; the challenge is transforming it for professional cricket. That's where we as coaches step in,” Deepti explains. What set Pratika apart was her diligence and willingness to follow through on advice, even when she wasn’t being closely supervised.
**Focus on Fitness and Mental Strength**
An essential part of Pratika’s development was a strong emphasis on physical fitness, something she embraced from childhood. Deepti Dhyani, who prioritized fitness in her coaching, believes that being physically prepared is crucial not just for performance but also for preventing injuries. “We often think gym work means building bulky muscles, but it's really about staying injury-free. Thankfully, Pratika understood that well and worked on her fitness seriously,” says Deepti.
Pratika’s commitment to her sport did not come at the expense of her education. She pursued a degree in psychology, a discipline she became interested in during her ninth standard. This academic background has given her unique insights into the mental aspects of cricket—a game renowned for its psychological challenges. Her father observes, “In cricket, psychology plays a major role. When you're batting, trying to read what a bowler is thinking or why they've set a certain field, it helps you dissect situations better. It's been really useful for her.”
This analytical mindset extends beyond cricket. Pratika is adept at solving the Rubik’s cube, a skill she showcased in a social media video, where she explained the logic and algorithms behind the puzzle. For her, it’s a mental exercise akin to strategizing on the cricket field—both require clear thinking, pattern recognition, and adaptability.
**Overcoming Disappointment and Seizing Opportunity**
Despite her consistent performances in domestic cricket, Pratika faced a setback when she was overlooked in the previous year’s Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction—a lucrative and high-profile event that could have been a turning point in her career. However, she did not allow this disappointment to deter her ambitions. Just a few weeks later, her perseverance paid off when she received her first call-up to the Indian national team.
Pratika made her international debut against the West Indies in December 2024