Pratika Rawal Biography: India’s Record-Breaking Cricket Sensation

Pratika Rawal Biography – Discover Pratika Rawal’s journey from psychology student and basketball champion to India’s newest cricket star with record-breaking 444 runs in first six ODI innings.

Pratika Rawal Biography: India’s Record-Breaking Cricket Sensation

Pratika Rawal represents the new generation of Indian women’s cricketers—scholarly, multi-talented, and capable of producing match-winning performances with remarkable consistency. Born on September 1, 2000, in Delhi, this 24-year-old opening batter has taken women’s cricket by storm since her international debut in December 2024, accumulating 444 runs in her first six ODI innings—the most by any cricketer (male or female) in history. Her maiden century of 154 against Ireland, achieved in just her third ODI match, announced her arrival on the world stage in spectacular fashion.

What makes Pratika’s story particularly inspiring is her unconventional journey to cricket stardom. A psychology graduate from Jesus & Mary College with 92.5% in her CBSE board exams, she was initially torn between cricket and basketball—a sport in which she won a gold medal at the 64th School National Games in Delhi in January 2019. Her father, Pradeep Rawal, a BCCI-certified Level-II umpire with the Delhi & District Cricket Association, introduced her to cricket at age 10, but it wasn’t until 2020 that she fully committed to cricket over basketball and academics.

At the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup currently underway, Pratika has continued her phenomenal form, becoming the joint-fastest batter to reach 1,000 runs in Women’s ODIs. Her partnership with Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order has given India one of the most formidable opening pairs in world cricket, filling the void left by Shafali Verma’s struggles. With 767 runs in just 15 ODIs at an average of 54.78 (as of the World Cup), Pratika represents the future of Indian women’s cricket—a future that looks exceptionally bright.

Early Life & Education: Scholar, Athlete, All-Rounder

Pratika Rawal was born on September 1, 2000, in Delhi, though she spent much of her early childhood in Prem Nagar, Haryana. She comes from a family deeply connected to cricket through her father, Pradeep Rawal, a BCCI-certified Level-II umpire associated with the Delhi & District Cricket Association. Growing up, Pratika would often accompany her father to cricket matches where he was umpiring, inadvertently absorbing the game’s nuances and developing a love for the sport from an early age.

Pratika received her early education at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, one of Delhi’s most prestigious educational institutions. From childhood, she demonstrated exceptional academic abilities alongside her sporting talents. In her CBSE Class 12 board examinations in 2019, she scored an outstanding 92.5%, proving that her excellence wasn’t limited to the sports field. This academic achievement reflected both natural intelligence and the discipline required to balance rigorous studies with intensive sports training.

After completing her schooling, Pratika enrolled at Jesus & Mary College in New Delhi, part of Delhi University, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. This choice of subject was driven by genuine intellectual curiosity about how the human mind works. In a BCCI video titled “Pratika Rawal: Psychology Meets Cricket,” she explained: “I was always fascinated by how the human mind works. Studying psychology has helped me understand the mental aspects of cricket—both on and off the field.” This understanding of sports psychology would later prove invaluable, helping her manage the mental pressures of international cricket and understand the psychological dimensions of batting partnerships, match situations, and handling setbacks.

Pratika’s sporting journey began not with cricket but with basketball. She represented Bal Bharati School, Rajender Nagar in basketball competitions, demonstrating the athletic versatility and competitive spirit that would later translate to cricket. In January 2019, at the 64th School National Games held in Delhi, Pratika won a gold medal in basketball—a significant achievement that highlighted her natural athletic ability, hand-eye coordination, and competitive temperament. Basketball taught her teamwork, quick decision-making under pressure, and spatial awareness—skills that would transfer seamlessly to cricket.

Her cricket journey formally began when she was in fourth standard (around age 10), when her father Pradeep recognized her interest and potential. In an interview, her father recalled: “Whenever I would go for my matches, she would accompany me, and that’s how it started. That’s when she started going to the academy for training.” He enrolled her at the Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy under the mentorship of veteran coach Sharvan Kumar. Pratika was the first and only girl in her batch at the academy, training alongside boys—an experience that toughened her mentally and technically, as she had to constantly prove herself in a male-dominated environment.

After her foundational training with Sharvan Kumar, Pratika continued her development under former cricketer Dipti Dhyani and Delhi women’s team coach Dishant Yagnik, both of whom helped refine her technique and tactical understanding. These coaches recognized her exceptional talent and provided the technical foundation and mental frameworks that would later enable her international success.

By age 14, Pratika had already made it to Delhi Under-19s, demonstrating accelerated development. However, understanding the importance of education, she made the strategic decision to drop a year at the Under-19 level to focus on her board examinations—a choice that reflected maturity and long-term thinking. She wanted to excel academically while also developing her cricketing skills, refusing to sacrifice one for the other.

The pivotal moment came in 2020 when Pratika had to choose between basketball and cricket. Despite her basketball success and the gold medal she had won, cricket had become her primary passion. She made the difficult decision to fully commit to cricket, a choice that would define her future. Throughout this period, she also focused on developing her public speaking skills, understanding that communication and self-expression were important beyond sports.

Career Journey: From Domestic Cricket to Record-Breaking International Star

Domestic Cricket Foundation (2021-2024)

Pratika’s domestic cricket career began with Delhi, where she represented her home state from 2021 to 2024. Her performances at the domestic level quickly marked her as a special talent. She consistently scored runs across formats, with her temperament and technique standing out even against experienced domestic players.

One of her standout domestic performances came when she scored an unbeaten 161 against Assam—a match-winning knock that demonstrated her ability to play long innings and dominate bowling attacks. Her consistency in One Day cricket was particularly impressive, with multiple centuries and fifties that caught the attention of national selectors.

In the latest edition of the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy before her international call-up, Pratika was the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 411 runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 68.50. This performance included two centuries, with a top score of 141, demonstrating her ability to convert starts into substantial scores—a quality highly valued in international cricket.

Beyond her batting, Pratika also showed leadership potential, captaining Delhi in the 2024 Under-23 T20 Trophy and leading her team to the final. This experience as captain provided her with tactical understanding and the ability to think strategically about the game—qualities that would enhance her value as an international player.

In 2024, Pratika made a significant move, switching from Delhi to Railways—a powerhouse in Indian women’s domestic cricket known for producing international players. This move allowed her to sharpen her skills alongside some of India’s best domestic cricketers and compete at even higher levels of intensity. Her performances for Railways further solidified her credentials as a player ready for international cricket.

However, despite her domestic success, Pratika went unsold at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction, where she had registered with a base price of ₹10 lakh. While disappointing, this setback proved temporary, as her subsequent international performances would make her one of the most sought-after players for future WPL auctions.

International Debut and Immediate Impact (December 2024)

In December 2024, Pratika received her maiden call-up to the Indian national team for the ODI series against West Indies. The selectors were looking for a reliable opening partner for Smriti Mandhana, as regular opener Shafali Verma had struggled significantly, managing only 277 runs in 14 innings since the 2022 World Cup with lean returns continuing on the A tour of Australia.

Pratika made her One Day International debut against West Indies on December 22, 2024, at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, becoming India’s 150th ODI cricketer. The pressure of debut didn’t faze her—she scored a composed 40 runs, demonstrating the temperament and technique that had marked her domestic career. More importantly, she shared a crucial 110-run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana, immediately establishing the chemistry that would define their partnership.

In the second ODI on December 24, 2024, Pratika announced her arrival with authority, scoring her maiden international half-century—a brilliant 76 runs from 86 deliveries that included 10 boundaries and one six. Her innings showcased aggressive intent combined with solid technique, proving she could accelerate when needed while maintaining the solidity expected of an opening batter. Remarkably, she also picked up two wickets in the match, including the prized scalp of West Indies captain Hayley Matthews (106), caught by Jemimah Rodrigues. Her first international wicket coming against the opposition captain demonstrated confidence and skill.

Once again, she shared a 110-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana, establishing a pattern of substantial opening stands that would become their trademark.

The Record-Breaking Century (January 2025)

The third match of the ODI series against Ireland on January 15, 2025, at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot became Pratika’s coming-out party. Opening the innings, she played an innings for the ages—scoring an astonishing 154 runs off just 129 balls, an innings decorated with 20 boundaries and one six. Her maiden ODI century was not just any century; it was the fourth-highest score for a maiden ODI century in women’s cricket history.

Her partnership with Smriti Mandhana was spectacular, as the pair added mammoth runs that powered India to 435/5—India’s highest-ever total in ODI history. Pratika’s aggressive yet controlled batting displayed pristine, old-fashioned strokeplay combined with modern power-hitting, showcasing the best of both eras.

The century earned her the Player of the Match award, which she emotionally dedicated to her family and coaches. She also won the Player of the Series award as India completed a dominant 3-0 whitewash of Ireland. More significantly, this innings established multiple records:

• Became the third-quickest Indian (in terms of number of matches) to score a maiden century in ODIs
• Became the third Indian player to score 150+ in women’s ODIs, joining Deepti Sharma (188) and Harmanpreet Kaur (171)
• Most importantly, she became the first women’s cricketer to score 444 runs in her first six innings, breaking former England captain Charlotte Edwards’ record of 434 runs

This record of 444 runs in six innings is particularly remarkable because it surpasses even male cricketers’ achievements in their first six ODI innings, making it a record across both men’s and women’s cricket.

2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup: Cementing Legendary Status

The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup being held in India and Bangladesh provided Pratika the perfect stage to showcase her talents to the world. She has continued her phenomenal form, becoming the joint-fastest batter to reach 1,000 runs in Women’s ODIs during the tournament.

In India’s match against New Zealand, Pratika scored another century, though for her, individual milestones held little significance compared to team success. After the match, she stated that reaching 1,000 runs meant nothing if India didn’t win, demonstrating the team-first mentality that coaches value highly.

As of the World Cup (May 2025), Pratika has accumulated 767 runs in just 15 ODIs at an average of 54.78, with one hundred and six fifties. She has also contributed with the ball, picking up four wickets with her part-time bowling. Her ability to anchor innings as well as accelerate has made her India’s premier opening option alongside Smriti Mandhana.

Her rise has coincided with India looking to build a strong team for future tournaments, and Pratika’s consistent performances have made her indispensable to India’s plans. The opening partnership between Pratika and Smriti has given India the solid foundation that championship-winning teams require.

Major Achievements: Record-Breaking Start to Career

Despite having played just 15 ODIs as of May 2025, Pratika Rawal has already accumulated achievements that many players don’t accomplish in entire careers:

444 Runs in First Six Innings: The most runs by any cricketer (male or female) in their first six ODI innings, breaking Charlotte Edwards’ record of 434 runs.

Fastest to 1,000 ODI Runs: Joint-fastest to reach 1,000 runs in Women’s ODIs during the 2025 World Cup, demonstrating extraordinary consistency.

Maiden Century of 154: Fourth-highest score for a maiden ODI century in women’s cricket history, achieved in just her third ODI.

Third-Quickest Indian to ODI Century: In terms of number of matches taken, demonstrating rapid impact at international level.

Third Indian Woman to Score 150+: Joining elite company of Deepti Sharma (188) and Harmanpreet Kaur (171).

Player of the Match and Series: Against Ireland (January 2025), recognizing her dominant performance.

767 Runs in 15 ODIs: Averaging 54.78 with one century and six fifties—extraordinary statistics for any player, let alone someone so early in their international career.

Three 110+ Run Partnerships with Smriti Mandhana: Establishing one of women’s cricket’s most prolific opening combinations.

Academic Excellence: 92.5% in CBSE Class 12 exams, proving excellence beyond cricket.

Basketball Gold Medal: 64th School National Games (2019), demonstrating multi-sport athletic ability.

India’s 150th ODI Player: Representing her nation and becoming part of India’s ODI cricket history.

Personal Life: Grounded Despite Sudden Fame

Despite her sudden rise to international fame, Pratika Rawal has maintained a grounded, focused approach to life, prioritizing cricket and personal development over celebrity.

Family Background: Pratika comes from a supportive family led by her father Pradeep Rawal, whose career as a BCCI umpire provided her early exposure to professional cricket. Her father has been her first coach, mentor, and biggest supporter, accompanying her to training sessions and matches throughout her development. Her mother and family have provided the emotional support and stability necessary for her to focus on cricket.

Relationship Status: At 24, Pratika appears to be unmarried and focused entirely on her cricket career. She has not publicly discussed any romantic relationships, maintaining privacy about her personal life—a wise choice given the scrutiny that comes with sudden fame.

Inspiration: Pratika has cited legendary cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Mithali Raj as her inspirations. Watching their performances ignited her passion for cricket and motivated her to excel. Their skills, determination, and contributions to Indian cricket shaped her aspirations and fueled her desire to make her own mark in women’s cricket.

Interests Beyond Cricket: Her psychology degree reflects genuine intellectual curiosity about human behavior and mental processes. She has expressed that understanding psychology helps her manage the mental aspects of cricket, handle pressure situations, and understand team dynamics. She also developed public speaking skills during her college years, understanding that effective communication extends beyond the cricket field.

Coaching Gratitude: Pratika regularly credits her coaches—Sharvan Kumar, Dipti Dhyani, and Dishant Yagnik—for her development, demonstrating humility and appreciation for those who helped her journey.

Team-First Mentality: Her statement that individual milestones mean nothing without team success reflects the attitude coaches value—prioritizing collective achievements over personal glory.

Net Worth & Lifestyle: Early Career, Growing Value

As a relatively new international cricketer, Pratika Rawal’s net worth is modest compared to established stars but growing rapidly given her performances and marketability.

BCCI Contract: As an Indian women’s cricketer, Pratika receives match fees for international matches and likely has a BCCI central contract given her importance to the team. While these amounts are not publicly disclosed, they provide steady income.

WPL Future: Though unsold at WPL 2025 auction at ₹10 lakh base price, her subsequent international performances make her extremely likely to be signed at significantly higher prices in future auctions. Her record-breaking performances could command ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore+ in future WPL auctions.

Brand Endorsements: With her rising profile, clean image, academic background, and appeal to young audiences, Pratika is attractive to brands seeking authentic youth ambassadors. Endorsement deals will likely become a significant income source as her profile grows.

Railways Employment: As a Railways player, she likely has employment with Indian Railways, providing job security alongside cricket earnings—a common arrangement for domestic cricketers in India.

Pratika’s lifestyle appears modest and focused, with no displays of excessive spending or luxury. Her social media presence focuses on cricket, training, and motivational content rather than lifestyle exhibition, suggesting someone focused on the game rather than celebrity trappings.

Recent News & Legacy: A Star Still Rising

As of May 2025, during the Women’s Cricket World Cup, Pratika Rawal continues dominating headlines with her consistent performances. Her 1,000-run milestone during the tournament kept her in the spotlight, while her team-first attitude in downplaying personal achievements won widespread praise.

Her opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana has become one of the tournament’s key talking points, with cricket analysts praising their complementary styles—Smriti’s aggression balanced by Pratika’s solid technique and ability to accelerate when needed.

At just 24 and 15 ODIs into her career, Pratika’s legacy is obviously still being written. However, her record-breaking start—444 runs in first six innings, fastest to 1,000 runs, maiden century of 154—suggests a career trajectory toward becoming one of women’s cricket’s all-time greats. If she maintains this consistency over the next decade, she could challenge every batting record in women’s ODI cricket.

Her story also represents important themes: the value of education alongside sport, the importance of multi-sport athletic development, the role of supportive families in sporting success, and the power of mental preparation (through psychology) in elite performance.

Conclusion: The Thinking Cricketer Who Lets Her Bat Do the Talking

Pratika Rawal’s journey from a psychology student playing basketball to becoming the record holder for most runs in first six ODI innings represents the best of modern Indian women’s cricket—educated, multi-talented, mentally strong, and capable of producing extraordinary performances under pressure.

At 24, with 767 runs in 15 ODIs and a World Cup to finish, Pratika stands at the beginning of what promises to be a legendary career. Her combination of academic intelligence (psychology degree with 92.5%), athletic versatility (basketball gold), technical soundness (classical cricket training), and mental strength (sports psychology understanding) makes her uniquely equipped for sustained excellence at the highest level.

Whether she goes on to break Mithali Raj’s records, lead India to World Cup glory, or become the next generation’s batting icon, Pratika Rawal has already achieved something remarkable—she has made an entire nation believe that she is special, that she is different, that she is the future. And based on the evidence of her first 15 matches, that belief appears entirely justified.

From the Rohtak Road Gymkhana where she was the only girl training with boys, to the international stage where she’s rewriting record books, Pratika Rawal’s story reminds us that greatness often comes from unexpected places, nurtured by supportive families, developed through quality education, and realized through unwavering dedication. The psychology student has become a cricket sensation—and she’s only just getting started.

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