When Pratika Rawal took off her helmet to celebrate her maiden Women’s World Cup century against New Zealand at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the crowd erupted with joy. The 25-year-old raised her bat to acknowledge the rousing support as chants of “Pratika! Pratika!” echoed throughout the stadium.
Among the 25,166 spectators cheering on India’s rising star was a familiar face – one who had dreamed of this moment all his life and was stunned to see it unfold before his eyes. Pratik’s father Pradeep Rawal was present to witness his daughter making an announcement on the big stage of the World Cup.
He was excited and emotional as Pradeep watched him realize the dream he had nurtured for years – his decision to train Pratik, a psychology studentfrom the tender age of three, now defended in the most flamboyant manner.
Entering the match amid mutterings about the pace of the strikes, Pratika began her innings in her typically composed manner before stepping through it beautifully to produce the best knock of her career so far. A brilliant innings of 122 off 134 ballslaced with 13 fours and two sixes, he helped India post a commanding total of 340 for 3 in 49 overs.
She was involved in a monumental 212-run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana, who single-handedly blasted 109 off 95 balls, displaying her signature stroke play with elegance and authority.
While Pratika soaked up the crowd’s rapturous applause for her stellar performance, Pradeep watched from afar and savored every second of what he had long envisioned – his daughter shining on the world stage.
‘Practice! Practice! ‘the chants upset me’
“I was in the stadium and whenever the crowd shouted ‘Pratika Rawal! Pratika Rawal!’, I got goosebumps. I felt an immense sense of pride when I saw my child playing for India. The one we trained and watched grow up is now representing the country, playing in the World Cup, and that too in such a crucial match. It was a real hundred goals today and her first game in the world. cup. I am extremely proud of that,” Pradeep told IndiaToday.in.
Pradeep was instrumental in shaping his daughter’s career and started her training at the tender age of three. The medium-pacer and hard-hitting batsman took a contrasting approach during his college days, coaching his daughter and encouraging her to play on the ground – a trait that laid the foundation for her elegant batting style. He also credited Railways coach Deepti Dhyani for transforming Pratika’s game after taking her under his wing in 2017.
“I was her first coach when she was a kid. I always told her, ‘Play with your head down, stay grounded.’ Then, in 2017, coach Deepti Dhyani from Railways came into her life and worked on her technique. The improvements you see today are because of her,” recalled Pradeep.
On Thursday, Pratika etched her name into the record books, becoming the joint-fastest batsman to reach 1000 runs in women’s ODIs, along with Australia’s Lindsay Reeler. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a stellar start to her career, amassing 1,110 runs from 23 innings at an average of 50.45 and a strike rate of 82.83, including two hundreds and seven fifties.
WHEN PRATIKA STUNNED THE RANJI STARS
Her success, however, came as no surprise to her father as he spotted her potential early – when she was already leaving the Ranji Trophy seasoned players as a nine-year-old impressed with her stroke play.
“I gave her the bat when she was just three. When she was nine, I sent her to the academy. Once there was a university-level match at Lakshmibai College where some of the girls were playing Ranji Trophy – and nine-year-old Pratika scored a fifty in that game. All the senior players were amazed and said, ‘Uncle, your daughter has something special – India has something special.”
“When they said that, I felt real hope. Of course every parent loves their child, but when experienced players say something like that, you start to believe it. That’s when I knew he would play for India one day,” he added.
However, cricket was not the only sport that caught Pratika’s attention during her formative years. She was also a talented basketball player and even won a gold medal at the 64th School National Games in Delhi in 2019. It was only in 2020 that Pratika finally chose cricket over basketball, making her debut in Delhi in 2021 and then moving to Railways in 2024.
Pratika made her international debut against the West Indies in December 2024 and received her cap from idol Smriti Mandhana. She scored a composed 40 during the first ODI at Vadodara, followed by a brilliant 76 (86) in the second ODI. Since then, the 25-year-old has formed a formidable opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana, with the duo amassing 1,799 runs from 23 innings, including a seven-century stand – the joint second-highest mark for an opening wicket in women’s cricket.
HIT RATE A PROBLEM?
Pradeep attributes their success to their contrasting yet complementary styles, which allow them to seamlessly move through the different phases of the game.
“It’s been very beneficial. You see, Smriti is a senior player and she’s at the top right now. She’s already scored seventeen centuries — she’s a top batsman. She keeps scoring freely, while Pratika rotates beautifully in singles and doubles. That’s why the run-rate never drops. Pratika supports Smriti really well and that’s why their partnership has been so successful,” Pradeep told India Today.
He too commented on the strike debate surrounding his daughterit reiterates that every player has a different approach to the game.
“Look, every player is different. Some are stroke players, some are stroke players and some focus on spin. Everyone has their own style. You can’t compare one player to another – especially not Smriti. She is number one and has her own unique approach. Pratika’s style is about taking singles and doubles, finding the gaps and hitting the boundaries in between,” explains Pradeeps.
‘ONLY INDIA CAN CONTINUE AUSTRALIA’
With Pratika leading India to the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Pradeep acknowledged that she faces a formidable challenge as India prepares to advance to the finals with either Australia or South Africa. Still, he remains convinced that the Women in Blue have what it takes to overcome the reigning champions.
“It’s going to be a huge match. But I’ll tell you one thing – India is the only team in the world who can beat Australia. No other team can really challenge them like India. If anyone can beat them in the semi-finals or the final, it’s India,” Pradeep said with conviction.
As Pratica’s international career continues to flourish, her father has high ambitions for her future and hopes she will one day be remembered among the greats of the game.
“For me, my idols have always been Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. I want her to build milestones like them – centuries, runs, records – and to have her name remembered among cricketing legends,” he said.
But for Pratik, the journey is just beginning. With youth on her side and an insatiable desire to learn, the 25-year-old has all the makings of a modern-day great. As the Women in Blue stride for World Cup glory on home soil with renewed confidence, one thing is certain – if Pratika Rawal continues to bat with the same grace, maturity and determination, Indian cricket may have found its next long-term star at the top of the order.
– The end
Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
October 24, 2025
