Since her international debut in December 2024 against the West Indies in Vadodara, Pratika Rawal has been India’s batting pillar. The right-handed hitter has scored 64 and 25 in the opening two ODIs of the three-match series against Australia.
Rawal has scored 792 runs at 52.80 in 16 ODI innings. Her 84.97 strike rate is good. She has 170 and a half years.
She has revealed that her goal is to be a prominent player for India. She discussed her connection with opening partner Smriti Mandhana. Rawal also said she enjoyed leadership from childhood. She described her reaction to being picked up to India’s Women’s ODI World Cup squad.
Outlook and mental conditioning
I have a mindset. I visualised it a lot, which is psychological. I have contemplated my life and how to improve. Despite team discussions and strategies, I respect team goals more than personal goals. On JioHotstar’s ‘Off the Pitch’ special show, Rawal said, “I think my greatest contribution is helping the team.”
Her understanding with Smriti Mandhana
“I find it simple and natural. We don’t communicate much between innings; she does her thing and I do mine. Our understanding feels natural, not fake. Both she and I are introverts off the pitch, but we call ourselves ambiverts. We already understand each other, therefore we don’t need to work hard to connect. On the pitch, just the next ball matters; everything else follows. Since I like batting with her more than she does, it’s always fun, especially the way she plays and takes every ball. The sight is incredible.”
Responsibility and leadership
My childhood self adored taking on responsibilities and leading in school. My dream job was class monitor. Even though I sat in the back, I always topped the exams. My teachers were supportive and never pressured me, so I could flourish. From the start, I liked leadership and responsibility. I still consider this obligation a privilege. This inspires me to be my best. As a young cricketer who has just started playing for India, it feels wonderful that the nation trusts me to deliver.”
On her World Cup selection and family reaction
“My parents are quiet. I know they feel a lot but don’t show it. I was with my brother at home when my name was called at the press conference while my parents were gone. “Say congratulations to me,” I told my brother in his bed. I said, ‘I got selected for the World Cup.’ He said, “That’s it?” Well done, yaar. I called my mum later and she remarked, ‘It’s a really good thing, very good.’ They are subtle, yet I can feel their pride. Even my coach said my mum has smiled differently for days. They may not show it, but they’re pleased.”
Academics and familial expectations
“My family is all engineers, businesspeople, or lawyers. Most of my cousins are lawyers, and my brother studies engineering. My family pressured me to study no matter what. In 12th grade, my mum told me I had to score 90% or leave cricket. My grandparents were proud of my academic success because it runs in the family. I learnt to take academics seriously that way. I didn’t feel pushed; I enjoyed it.”
India
