Pratika Rawal journey from a young, determined girl in Delhi to India’s rising cricket star is a tale of passion, perseverance, and multi-sport excellence. Her story isn’t just about cricket, but about her ability to balance academics, sports, and a love for challenges, all while staying grounded.
Today, at the age of 24, Pratika has not only made a mark in cricket but is also remembered for her achievements in basketball, as well as her outstanding academic record.
Pratika Rawal Talented Athlete
Her story began in the bustling neighborhood of Prem Nagar, Delhi, where she grew up in a family running a cable television service business. Her father, Pradeep Rawal, a BCCI-certified umpire with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), was the person who encouraged her to pursue cricket. From a young age, Pratika was a curious and energetic child who excelled in multiple areas
She succeeded as an athlete in addition to being a strong student, earning 92.5% on her CBSE exams. She loved basketball as much as cricket, and in January 2019, she took home a gold medal from the 64th School National Games in Delhi. Her career was going to be defined by cricket, which was always her primary love in spite of her outstanding achievements in basketball.
Early Days in Cricket: Training with the Best
Pratika Rawal love for cricket began in the fourth standard, when she first picked up a bat. Encouraged by her father, she joined the Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy in Delhi, where she trained under veteran coach Shravan Kumar. Shravan, who had coached many prominent cricketers including Ishant Sharma and Nitish Rana, remembers Pratika as a young girl with a natural passion for the game.
“When she came to my academy, I was surprised to see a young girl who was so excited about cricket,” Shravan relates. The academy was only training guys at the time, but Shravan chose to give her a shot after noticing her dedication. she put a lot of effort into honing her talents over the years while balancing her education and cricket.
Journey from School to National Cricket
Her cricketing journey was not without challenges. While she was doing well at school, cricket required long hours of practice and dedication. Despite this, her determination to pursue a career in cricket never wavered. Eventually,Modern School in Barakhamba Road, Delhi, noticed her talent and offered her a place on their cricket team.
“Shravan Sir joked that I should tell them I couldn’t pay the fees, even though at first I didn’t want to change schools. The school, however, maintained. They gave me a scholarship after realizing my ability, says Pratika. In her cricket career, this marked a sea change.
Her continued to excel in both academics and cricket. In her 2019 CBSE exams, she scored 93 in English and Psychology, 89 in Political Science, 95 in Economics, and 88 in Physical Education, proving that her academic excellence was as remarkable as her sporting achievements.
Making Her Mark in Domestic Cricket
By 2021, she had made it to Delhi’s senior women’s cricket team. Her breakthrough came in 2021 when she scored an impressive 161 runs off 155 balls in a List A match, quickly catching the attention of selectors. In the 2022-23 season, she amassed 552 runs in 14 matches, solidifying her position as one of Delhi’s top performers.
Along with her growing success, Pratika worked under former cricketer Dipti Dhyani and the guidance of Dishant Yagnik, a former Rajasthan cricketer, who helped her refine her batting technique. “Pratika was very strong on the leg side, but we worked on her technique to help her unlock her off-side game,” said Yagnik, who also trained Pratika to hit long sixes and play more balanced shots.
Pratika Rawal Consistent Performer
Pratika’s leadership qualities became evident when she captained the Delhi U-23 women’s team to the T20 Trophy final in 2023, where her team narrowly lost to Madhya Pradesh. Throughout the tournament, Pratika was the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 182 runs from 9 matches at an average of 26.
In the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, she impressed again, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer with 411 runs from 8 matches, boasting an average of 68.50.
Emerging Talent in Women’s Cricket in India
Pratika Rawal made her ODI debut for India against the West Indies in 2024 as a result of her attention to detail, resolve, and bravery. Her teacher, Shravan Kumar, recalled the times when a young Pratika used to train with him, therefore it was an emotional event for someone who started to play cricket at a young age.
Pratika has a long way to go. Dhyani, her coach, thinks Pratika has developed into a fully fledged cricket player. “Her career has advanced significantly, but this is only the beginning. She still has a lot to learn and do.
