Pratika Rawal Makes India Debut After WPL Auction Snub
Pratika Rawal, a 24-year-old cricketer from Delhi, recently marked a significant achievement by becoming the 150th player to represent the India Women’s cricket team.
Her international debut took place against the West Indies Women on Sunday, December 22, at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Pratika’s inspiring journey from her early interest in psychology to a promising cricket career reflects determination and hard work.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 1, 2000, in Delhi, Pratika discovered her passion for cricket at the age of 10. While initially interested in studying psychology, she eventually shifted her focus entirely to cricket.
This transition proved fruitful, as she rapidly climbed the ranks in domestic cricket.
Domestic Cricket Success
Pratika made her mark in domestic cricket with consistent performances. In 2021, she scored an impressive 161 runs off 155 balls for Delhi.
During her debut year, she amassed 247 runs at an average of 49.50, as reported by the Times of India. Over the following two years, her List-A performances brought her close to the 1,000-run milestone.
In the 2022-23 season, she scored 552 runs in 14 matches, including five half-centuries.
The next year saw even greater success, with 411 runs in seven innings, featuring two centuries and two fifties at an average of 68.50. Her strike rate steadily improved, reflecting her growth as a player.
Women’s Premier League and Captaincy
Pratika’s talent gained attention in the inaugural Women’s Delhi Premier League, where she represented the East Delhi Riders. She scored 93 runs in two matches, ranking fourth among the top scorers.
Additionally, she captained Delhi to the final of the 2024 Under-23 T20 Trophy, demonstrating her leadership skills. Although her team narrowly lost the final to Madhya Pradesh, her performance stood out.
Throughout her List-A career, Pratika accumulated 1,368 runs, maintaining an impressive average of 54.72 and a strike rate of 75.58. These achievements underline her consistent progress over her 14-year cricket journey.
International Debut
Pratika’s long-awaited international debut came when she opened the batting alongside Smriti Mandhana during the first ODI against the West Indies.
Smriti, who recently won the Player of the Series award in a 2-1 series win over the Caribbean team, handed Pratika her maiden ODI cap.
In her debut match, Pratika scored 40 runs off 69 balls, contributing to a solid 100-run opening partnership with Smriti. This stand was India Women’s first century opening partnership in almost two years.
Despite being dismissed in the 24th over by Hayley Matthews, her performance highlighted her potential on the international stage.
Notable Achievements
Pratika’s cricketing journey includes several milestones:
- Her debut season in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy in 2021, where she scored 247 runs with a strike rate of 78.41.
- Leading Delhi to the Under-23 T20 Trophy final in 2024 as captain.
- Stellar performances in the Women’s Delhi Premier League.
- Accumulating 1,368 runs in List-A cricket at an average of 54.72.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite her achievements, Pratika faced setbacks, such as going unsold at the WPL 2025 auction despite a base price of Rs 10 lakh. However, her inclusion in the Indian team highlights her rising prominence in women’s cricket.
Pratika was among six players to receive their maiden ODI caps after the Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. Alongside her, players like Minnu Mani, Tejal Hasabnis, and Titas Sadhu also made their debuts, showcasing India’s strong talent pool.
Future Prospects
Pratika Rawal’s journey symbolizes the growth of Indian women’s cricket. Her determination and consistent performances have paved the way for a bright future.
With a strong domestic record and a promising start on the international stage, she is poised to achieve greater heights in the years to come.
