Is Pratika Rawal good enough for T20Is? Anjum Chopra shares her verdict

Anjum Chopra has backed Pratika Rawal to make the most of every opportunity that comes her way after the Indian batsman made an encouraging T20I debut against Thailand in the Women’s Asia Cup.

Rawal, called up to the Indian squad after Jemimah Rodrigues was ruled out due to injury, scored 22 off 18 balls in Dubai on Sunday. She hit two fours and a six before being bowled by Suleeporn Laomi. India beat Thailand by 94 runs.

“She started very well in her own way. The first shot she played, where she scored six, I think it was her second scoring shot. At least it shows intent and she understands that she’s coming in at number three. There were already 38 shots on the board, so she can’t just take singles and doubles at that point. She has to go out there and score match after match,” Chopra said after the match.

Rawal’s six came inside off long Sunida Chaturongrattan, who immediately showed a willingness to attack. She also used her legs against the Thai spinners before her promising innings ended in the ninth over. Her 22 came at a speed of 122.22.

CHOPRA ENSURED PRATIK’S ATTITUDE

Rawal also made an impact in the field when he took a sharp catch at cover to dismiss Phannit Maya for a six over Nandani Sharma. Maya came down the track to reach a full delivery, broke the drive to cover and Rawal jumped to complete the catch over her head.

“Then she came back on the field and contributed with such a catch. It just goes to show that she is at least trying to make her presence felt,” Chopra said.

“It’s not certain that she will always get to bat at number three, but whatever opportunity she gets, maybe during the Asia Cup or maybe in the Asian Games – we don’t know, time will tell – every time she goes out there, she wants to impress. And that’s probably the best part of Pratika Rawal,” Chopra said.

Rawal’s T20I debut came despite limited recent experience in the format. She has not played a T20 since 2024 and did not feature for the UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League 2026. Her selection was largely built on an impressive start to her ODI career, where she scored 1,189 runs in 27 matches at an average of 47.56 before the Asia Cup.

Chopra believes Rawal’s understanding of the game could help her adapt.

“Look, we’ve seen her at the World Cup so we know how good she is. She’s an intelligent girl and a good student of the game and someone who understands her philosophy. But at the end of the day, when you go out there and put in the effort, it shows and that’s what she’s really doing,” added Chopra.

Rawal may not be guaranteed a No. 3 spot once Jemimah returns, but her debut gave her an early opportunity to stake her claim. With India continuing their Asia Cup campaign against Hong Kong on September 3, Rawal could get another chance to turn an encouraging start into something more substantial.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

31 Aug 2026 18:58 IST