Pratika Rawal has scored 572 runs, including 5 fifties and 1 century, in her first 8 ODIs. Here’s everything you need to know about her.
In the world of women’s cricket, a new name is making waves with the bat in hand—Pratika Rawal. The 24-year-old from Delhi has taken international cricket by storm, turning heads with her composed temperament, aggressive strokeplay, and consistency that belies her limited experience. With six 50+ scores in her first eight Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs), the big question now arises: Has Pratika Rawal cemented her place as India’s next long-term opening batter?
Record-breaking entry of Pratika Rawal
Rawal recently etched her name into the record books by becoming the fastest batter to reach 500 runs in WODIs, doing so in just eight innings. In the process, she broke Charlotte Edwards’ long-standing record (nine innings) and outpaced legends such as Mithali Raj, Belinda Clark, and Nicole Bolton. Not just that—she is now the fastest India batter, across men’s and women’s cricket, to reach the milestone, beating even Shubman Gill.
Her numbers speak volumes. In eight ODIs, she has amassed 572 runs at a jaw-dropping average of 81.71 and a strike rate of 92.71. The tally includes five fifties and a commanding 154-run knock against Ireland—her maiden international century and one that helped India post their highest-ever ODI total (435/5).
Making an impact, match after match
It’s not just about the runs—it’s how they’ve come. During the ongoing tri-series in Sri Lanka, Rawal scored a fluent 78 against South Africa to help India post a match-winning 276/6. In another game, she anchored the chase with a calm, unbeaten 50 against Sri Lanka, showcasing her ability to adapt to situations. Her partnerships—54 with Smriti Mandhana and 95 with the middle order—highlight her growing chemistry with the team and ability to pace innings smartly.
With three Player of the Match awards and a Player of the Series honour already in her bag, she’s showing all the signs of a player built for the big stage.
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Roots of a cricketer
Rawal’s journey is steeped in sporting discipline. Before cricket, she excelled in basketball, winning gold at the 64th School National Games in 2019. But cricket eventually won her heart. Trained at the Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy under coach Sharvan Kumar, she benefited from a home environment that lived and breathed the game—her father, Pradeep Rawal, is a BCCI-certified umpire.
Her debut was no less promising—40 runs and a key wicket against West Indies, dismissing star batter Hayley Matthews. That all-round start hinted at the multi-dimensional cricketer she is turning out to be.
The Psychological Edge
Rawal’s maturity is not limited to her shot selection. Her interest in psychology, which she openly discusses, is helping her handle the pressures of international cricket. In a BCCI interview, she shared how studying human behavior has helped her remain calm and focused on the field.
That blend of skill and self-awareness is rare, especially in a newcomer. It’s what sets her apart and adds depth to her game.
A Future Built on the Present
So, has she cemented her place? All signs point to ‘yes’. In an Indian setup often marked by fierce competition for top-order slots, Pratika Rawal is doing more than just filling in. She is making the role her own. Her performances are not fleeting sparks—they’re building blocks of a long, promising journey.
From replacing Shafali Verma to becoming a mainstay at the top, Rawal’s rise is a story of opportunity met with preparation. And if this is just the beginning, Indian cricket might just have found its next batting superstar.
Pratika Rawal is no longer just a name to watch—she’s a name to remember. With a record-breaking start and an already impressive resume, she has not only secured her spot as India’s opening batter but also sparked excitement about the future of women’s cricket in the country. Whether it’s chasing targets or setting them, Rawal is here to stay—and she’s just getting started.
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