From Terrace Nets to World Cup Glory: Pratika Rawal’s Rise

By Harshit - Oct 24, 2025 02:40 PM
Last updated on Oct 24, 2025 02:40 PM

Despite entering India’s women’s cricket team relatively late, opener Pratika Rawal has become one of the most talked-about names in world cricket. The psychology graduate’s rise has been nothing short of inspirational — from practicing in homemade nets on her terrace in Delhi to breaking international records at the Women’s World Cup. Her story is not just about talent, but about perseverance, discipline, and a father’s dream fulfilled.

On Thursday in Navi Mumbai, Pratika equalled a world record by reaching 1,000 ODI runs in just 23 innings — during a brilliant century against New Zealand. Her innings of 122 off 134 balls, laced with 13 fours and two sixes, helped India secure a crucial victory and qualify for the semifinals. The image of her father’s handmade banner — “100* Pratika Rawal: Proud Moment of Father” — went viral, symbolizing the emotional journey behind her success.

From her father Pradeep’s unwavering faith to her own mental strength, Pratika’s rise embodies the power of determination and family support. Here’s a look at the journey of the woman who went from terrace practice sessions to shining on the world stage.

The dream that began on a Delhi terrace

Before the world knew her name, Pratika Rawal was hitting hundreds of balls daily inside a makeshift net on her building’s terrace in West Patel Nagar. During the pandemic, her father, a former club-level bowler, turned the empty terrace into a personal practice arena. “Until she got her practice, she wouldn’t eat or sleep,” recalls Pradeep. He would bowl to her for hours, helping her face 400–500 balls each day.

That dedication came after years of near-misses. Pratika had been scoring heavily in domestic cricket, but her national call-up kept getting delayed. “We were getting worried as she got older,” her father says. “But she always believed destiny would play its part.” That patience paid off when she finally earned her India cap at 24 — a moment that left her father in tears.

Turning setbacks into milestones

At the Women’s World Cup, Pratika proved that belief and hard work always pay off. After a series of solid but incomplete innings, she finally converted her form into a match-winning hundred against New Zealand. Her technique, timing, and calm composure drew comparisons with some of the best openers in the game.

She also became the fastest woman to score 1,000 ODI runs — a feat that showcased her consistency and adaptability. Head coach Amol Muzumdar’s faith in her abilities was justified, as she played a central role in India’s push to the semifinals. “Navi Mumbai will always be special,” Pratika said after the match, dedicating her knock to her parents and mentors.

Family, faith, and fierce determination

Pratika’s journey is deeply intertwined with her family. Her father Pradeep’s dream of seeing his child play international cricket was the driving force behind her training. Her mother Rajni calls her a “mischievous yet focused” child who transformed once she began training seriously under coach Deepti Dhyani in 2017. Her younger brother, Shashwat, calls her a genius — not only for her cricketing acumen but also her academic brilliance, as she scored above 92% in both her 10th and 12th exams and graduated in psychology.

“Even when we were going out, she would never skip her practice,” says Shashwat. “That’s her level of commitment.” For Pratika, balancing her education and cricket became second nature — an approach that now defines her maturity as an athlete on the world stage.

From academy pioneer to international star

Pratika was the first girl to train under coach Shravan Kumar at Rohtak Road Gymkhana — a place known for producing international cricketers like Ishant Sharma. “She was fearless, facing boys older and stronger than her,” says Shravan. “After she joined, more girls started coming to train. She’s been a role model ever since.”

Today, that same girl who once trained under the Delhi sun now opens for India alongside Smriti Mandhana — her idol and current partner at the crease. The duo has built one of the most reliable opening partnerships in women’s cricket. “She’s a great anchor and allows me to play my natural game,” said Mandhana after Pratika’s century. “We complement each other perfectly.”

‘Better late than never’ — a career just beginning

For Pratika’s family, every milestone feels like a collective victory. Her father’s handmade banners, her mother’s constant prayers, and her brother’s support have all contributed to her rise. Pradeep sums it up best: “Der aaye durust aaye — better late than never.”

Within a year of her debut, Pratika Rawal has emerged as one of India’s most promising players — a blend of mental resilience and cricketing genius. Her journey from a terrace in Delhi to the world stage is a reminder that dreams, when chased with patience and passion, do come true.

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