Pratika Rawal Biography: Age, Education, Family, Net Worth & Achievements. From Basketball Champion to Cricket Sensation

Who is Pratika Rawal?

Today let’s talk about Pratika Rawal Biography: Pratika Rawal, was born on September 1, 2000, is an Indian cricketer who represents the Indian women’s national cricket team, Delhi, and Railways in domestic cricket. She made her One Day International (ODI) debut against West Indies on December 22, 2024, becoming the 150th ODI cricketer for India. In just her sixth ODI match, she scored a magnificent 154 runs against Ireland on January 15, 2025, announcing her arrival on the international stage in spectacular fashion.

What makes Pratika’s story particularly remarkable is her multifaceted background, she’s not just a talented cricketer, but also a psychology graduate who scored 92.5% in her CBSE 12th board exams and a national-level basketball champion who won a gold medal at the 64th School National Games in January 2019. Her journey from playing basketball at the national level to choosing cricket as her primary focus, all while excelling academically, demonstrates exceptional dedication, time management, and athletic versatility.

Pratika Rawal Early Life and Family Background

Pratika Rawal was born on September 1, 2000, in Delhi, India. She lived in Prem Nagar in Haryana during her formative years, in an area close to Delhi that allowed her access to quality educational institutions and sporting facilities.

Father: Pradeep Rawal

Her father, Pradeep Rawal, is a BCCI-certified Level-II umpire affiliated with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). Pradeep’s involvement in cricket as an umpire meant that the sport was part of Pratika’s life from an early age. His understanding of the game, its technicalities, and the demands of competitive cricket proved invaluable in guiding Pratika’s development as a cricketer.

Having a father who was deeply embedded in the cricketing ecosystem provided Pratika with unique insights into the game beyond just playing. She could understand umpiring decisions, learn about the rules and regulations, and gain perspective on cricket from multiple angles. Pradeep’s encouragement and support were crucial in Pratika’s decision to pursue cricket seriously.

Family Support System

Pratika’s family has consistently encouraged her athletic and academic pursuits. They attended her matches, celebrated her victories, and provided comfort during setbacks, reinforcing the importance of resilience. This strong familial bond has played a crucial role in shaping Pratika’s identity as a dedicated cricketer and well-rounded individual.

Her family’s willingness to support her pursuit of both basketball and cricket, often involving considerable time and financial commitments, demonstrates their belief in her potential and their progressive approach to nurturing her talents.

Pratika Rawal Education and Academic Excellence

School Education

Pratika attended Modern School, located on Barakhamba Road in New Delhi. Modern School is one of Delhi’s most prestigious educational institutions, known for its emphasis on both academic rigor and extracurricular excellence. The school’s holistic approach to education, encouraging students to pursue sports alongside academics, provided the perfect environment for Pratika’s development.

At Modern School, Pratika displayed exceptional academic abilities. Her friends at the school remember her as a dedicated student who managed to balance her sporting commitments with her studies—no easy feat given the demanding schedule of training and competition.

Outstanding Board Exam Performance

In her CBSE 12th board examinations, Pratika achieved an impressive 92.5% marks. This outstanding academic performance reflects her dedication, discipline, and ability to excel under pressure. Scoring over 90% in board exams while simultaneously training for cricket and basketball at competitive levels demonstrates exceptional time management and mental fortitude.

Her academic success wasn’t accidental—it required rigorous planning, sacrificing social activities that other teenagers might enjoy, and maintaining focus despite the physical and mental demands of athletic training. This ability to compartmentalize and give full attention to whatever task is at hand would later serve her well in high-pressure cricketing situations.

College Education: Psychology Degree

Following her excellent performance in school, Pratika pursued her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Jesus & Mary College in New Delhi. Jesus & Mary College is one of Delhi University’s most prestigious women’s colleges, known for its academic excellence and vibrant campus culture.

Choosing psychology as her field of study reveals intellectual curiosity about human behavior, mental processes, and the psychological aspects of performance. For an athlete, understanding psychology is particularly valuable, it provides tools to manage stress, maintain motivation, develop mental toughness, and understand the psychological dynamics within teams.

Her education in psychology has likely contributed to her ability to handle the mental pressures of international cricket, manage performance anxiety, and maintain composure in high-stakes situations. The cognitive and emotional self-awareness developed through psychology studies can be a significant advantage in competitive sports.

Balancing college education with emerging cricket commitments required careful planning and sacrifice. Many cricketers choose to forgo higher education to focus entirely on their sport, but Pratika’s decision to complete her degree demonstrates commitment to personal development beyond cricket and understanding that education provides security and perspective regardless of sporting outcomes.

Pratika Rawal Early Sporting Career: Basketball

Introduction to Basketball

Before cricket became her primary focus, Pratika was a highly accomplished basketball player. She represented Bal Bharati School in Rajender Nagar in basketball competitions, demonstrating versatility as an athlete capable of excelling in multiple sports.

Basketball requires different skills than cricket—agility, vertical athleticism, hand-eye coordination, team coordination, and quick decision-making. The sport demands cardiovascular fitness, speed, and the ability to read game situations rapidly. These athletic qualities developed through basketball would later transfer beneficially to cricket, particularly in fielding and running between wickets.

National Level Achievement: Gold Medal

In January 2019, Pratika won a gold medal at the 64th School National Games in Delhi, competing in basketball. This achievement placed her among the elite young basketball players in India, demonstrating that she had reached the highest level of school-level competition in the country.

Winning a national-level gold medal is no small feat—it requires consistent performance under pressure, beating the best players from across India, and delivering when it matters most. This experience of competing at the national level and succeeding provided Pratika with confidence and the psychological tools to handle pressure situations.

The athletic abilities honed through basketball—quick reflexes, spatial awareness, agility, and endurance—provided an excellent foundation for cricket. Basketball players often excel in fielding positions that require quick movements, safe hands, and the ability to cover ground rapidly.

The Difficult Choice: Basketball vs. Cricket

Despite her success in basketball, by 2020, Pratika faced a difficult decision: which sport would she pursue at the elite level? It’s nearly impossible to compete at the highest levels in two different sports simultaneously—the training demands, competition schedules, and specialization required make choosing one path necessary.

While cricket was her priority from early on, the decision to effectively give up basketball—a sport where she had achieved national-level success—couldn’t have been easy. However, she chose cricket, recognizing that her passion and long-term potential lay in the sport that had captivated her since fourth grade.

This decision demonstrates maturity, self-awareness, and willingness to make difficult choices in pursuit of a larger goal. Many athletes struggle with such transitions, but Pratika made a clear choice and committed fully to cricket.

Pratika Rawal Introduction to Cricket

Starting at Age 10

Pratika Rawal started her cricket career at the age of 10 while in fourth standard (approximately fourth grade). This relatively early introduction to cricket, combined with encouragement from her father Pradeep Rawal, set her on the path toward competitive cricket.

Starting organized cricket at age 10 is common among successful cricketers, as this age allows development of fundamental skills while the body and mind are still developing. The earlier a player begins, the more deeply ingrained the technical skills become, making them second nature by the time they reach elite levels.

Academy Training

Pratika began training at cricket academies in Delhi, receiving professional coaching that refined her natural abilities. Delhi, with its strong cricketing infrastructure and numerous talented players, provided a competitive environment that pushed her to improve constantly.

Academy training typically includes batting technique drills, bowling practice (though Pratika focuses on batting), fielding exercises, fitness training, match simulations, and mental conditioning. The structured environment of an academy, with coaches who could identify and correct technical flaws, accelerated her development beyond what casual play could achieve.

Rapid Progression

Her talent was evident from early on. By age 14, Pratika had already made it to the Delhi Under-19 team, a remarkable achievement that indicated she was ahead of her peer group in terms of skill development and cricket understanding.

Making the U-19 team at just 14 years old meant competing against girls up to five years older—a significant age gap at that stage of development. This early exposure to higher-level competition forced Pratika to raise her game, developing maturity and tactical awareness beyond her years.

Pratika Rawal Domestic Cricket Career

Delhi Cricket

Pratika Rawal represents Delhi in domestic women’s cricket competitions. Delhi has a strong tradition in women’s cricket, producing numerous players who have represented India at various levels. Playing for Delhi meant competing in the Women’s Senior One Day Trophy, Women’s Senior T20 Trophy, and other domestic competitions organized by the BCCI.

The Delhi team’s competitive environment, with talented players vying for limited spots, pushed Pratika to consistently perform well to retain her place. Success at the state level is prerequisite for national selection, and Pratika’s performances for Delhi eventually caught the attention of national selectors.

Railways Cricket

In addition to Delhi, Pratika also represents Railways in domestic cricket. Railways is one of the strong teams in Indian women’s domestic cricket, with excellent facilities and support for cricketers. Many Indian women cricketers represent Railways, as the organization provides employment opportunities alongside support for cricket careers.

Playing for both Delhi and Railways gave Pratika more match exposure and experience in different team environments, accelerating her development and providing opportunities to showcase her abilities to a wider audience.

Women’s Delhi Premier League (2024)

In the 2024 season, Pratika played for the East Delhi Riders team in the Women’s Delhi Premier League. She scored 93 runs in two matches, ranking fourth for the most runs scored in the tournament. This impressive strike rate and consistency in a T20 format demonstrated her ability to adapt her game to shorter formats and accelerate scoring when required.

The Women’s Delhi Premier League, being a newer franchise-style tournament, provided Pratika with experience of playing in front of larger crowds, dealing with media attention, and performing under the spotlight all valuable preparation for international cricket.

Pratika Rawal International Debut and Breakthrough

ODI Debut vs West Indies (December 22, 2024)

On December 22, 2024, Pratika Rawal made her international debut for India in an ODI match against West Indies at the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara. She became the 150th player to represent India Women in One Day Internationals, a historic milestone that marked the beginning of her international career.

Making an international debut is always nerve-wracking, particularly for an opening batter who must face the first ball in unfamiliar conditions against quality international bowlers. However, Pratika showed remarkable composure and maturity.

In her debut match, she scored 40 runs and formed a 110-run partnership with senior opener Smriti Mandhana. This partnership was crucial for India’s innings and demonstrated Pratika’s ability to handle pressure, rotate strike, and support an established star. Getting a substantial score on debut, while not a half-century, was a solid start that showed she belonged at the international level.

Maiden Half-Century (December 24, 2024)

Just two days after her debut, in the second ODI match of the series against West Indies, Pratika scored her maiden international half-century, making 76 runs. Scoring a fifty in just her second international match demonstrated rapid adaptation to the international level and ability to build on the confidence gained from the debut.

The innings of 76 would have involved periods of consolidation and acceleration, showing tactical awareness and shot selection appropriate to match situations. This performance confirmed that her debut score wasn’t a fluke and established her as a reliable opening option for India.

First International Wicket

On December 24, 2024, during the second match of the ODI series against West Indies, Pratika took her first international wicket, dismissing West Indies captain Hayley Matthews. While Pratika is primarily a batter, being able to contribute with the ball adds valuable all-round dimension to her game and gives the captain additional options.

Dismissing an opposition captain, particularly someone as experienced and skilled as Hayley Matthews, would have been a significant confidence boost and demonstrated that Pratika could contribute in multiple aspects of the game.

Historic Maiden Century vs Ireland (January 15, 2025)

Pratika’s breakthrough moment came on January 15, 2025, at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, in an ODI match against Ireland. In just her sixth ODI, she scored a magnificent 154 runs—a maiden international century that was both spectacular in scale and historic in significance.

Scoring 154 not only represented a personal milestone but also showcased her ability to convert starts into big scores—a hallmark of great batters. The innings would have required concentration, skill, adaptability to conditions, and the physical and mental stamina to bat for extended periods.

This knock announced Pratika’s arrival as a genuine international-class batter capable of dominating bowling attacks and taking responsibility for posting substantial team totals. At just 24 years old and in only her sixth ODI, the century indicated immense potential for future contributions to Indian cricket.

Pratika Rawal Playing Style and Strengths

Opening Batter Role

Pratika Rawal is an opening batter—a role that carries particular responsibilities and pressures. Opening batters face the new ball when it’s hardest and moving the most, must see off the early threat from fresh bowlers, set the platform for the innings, and often must accelerate scoring once established.

As an opener, Pratika has shown ability to handle both pace and swing, play the ball late, and build innings through proper technique and shot selection. Her partnership-building ability, demonstrated in her debut 110-run stand with Smriti Mandhana, shows she can bat with different partners and adapt her role based on match requirements.

Technical Strengths

While detailed technical analysis would require extensive video study, Pratika’s early success suggests several strengths:

Solid defensive technique – Necessary for an opener to survive the new ball period

Good shot selection – Knowing when to attack and when to defend, crucial for building big innings

Ability to score all around the wicket – Her high scores suggest she’s not one-dimensional

Temperament – Shown through her composed debut and ability to convert starts into big scores

Fitness and stamina – Her basketball background likely contributes to the physical fitness required for long innings

Adaptability

Pratika’s performances across formats (her T20 success in the Delhi Premier League and ODI achievements) suggest versatility. The ability to adjust her game between the measured approach needed in ODIs and the aggressive approach required in T20s indicates cricket intelligence and adaptability.

All-Round Potential

While primarily a batter, her wicket-taking ability adds dimension to her value. If she develops her bowling further, she could become a genuine all-rounder, particularly valuable in limited-overs cricket where flexibility in team composition is advantageous.

Pratika Rawal Personal Attributes and Character

Academic-Athletic Balance

Pratika’s ability to maintain excellence in both academics (92.5% in boards, completing a psychology degree) and athletics (national-level basketball, international cricket) demonstrates extraordinary discipline, time management, and commitment. This balance suggests maturity beyond her years and understanding that personal development shouldn’t be limited to just one dimension.

Mental Strength from Psychology Background

Her education in psychology likely provides advantages in managing the mental aspects of cricket—handling pressure, maintaining confidence through failures, staying focused during long innings, and understanding team dynamics. Psychology education teaches self-awareness and emotional regulation—crucial skills for elite athletes.

Multi-Sport Background

Having competed at the national level in basketball before focusing on cricket provides Pratika with athletic attributes beyond typical single-sport specialists. The agility, coordination, and competitive experience from basketball enhance her cricket, particularly fielding and running between wickets.

Family Values

Coming from a supportive family with a father embedded in cricket, Pratika has been raised with understanding of hard work, dedication, and integrity that sports demand. Her family’s support system has clearly been instrumental in allowing her to pursue her dreams while maintaining perspective and grounding.

Also Read: Balen Shah Biography

Pratika Rawal Challenges and Future Prospects

Competition for Opening Spot

The Indian women’s cricket team has established openers like Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. Breaking into and cementing a regular place in the opening combination will require sustained excellent performances. However, her strong start has given her a foothold, and continued success could see her become a permanent fixture.

Adapting to Different Conditions

International cricket involves playing in diverse conditions across the world—different pitches, climates, bowling attacks, and pressures. Pratika will need to demonstrate consistency across various environments to establish herself as a reliable international player.

Pressure and Expectations

After such an impressive start, expectations will be high. Managing the pressure that comes with success, dealing with inevitable failures, and maintaining performance levels will test her character and preparation.

Potential for Long International Career

At 24 years old, Pratika has potentially 10-15 years of international cricket ahead of her if she maintains fitness and form. Her solid technique, temperament, and ability to score big runs suggest she could become a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup for years to come.

T20 and Test Ambitions

While her ODI start has been spectacular, Pratika will also aim to establish herself in T20 internationals and, if opportunities arise, Test cricket. Success across all formats would cement her status as a complete batter.

Pratika Rawal Role Model and Inspiration

Representing Multi-Talented Youth

Pratika’s story inspires young people who feel pressured to choose between academics and sports, or between different sports. She demonstrates that with discipline and support, it’s possible to excel in multiple areas before eventually focusing on one’s primary passion.

Breaking Stereotypes

In a society where women athletes sometimes face pressure to prioritize education or marriage over sports, Pratika’s success challenges these limitations. She proves that women can pursue athletic careers at the highest level while also maintaining academic excellence.

Psychology and Sports

Her unique combination of psychology education and cricket career could inspire more athletes to value mental training and psychological understanding as part of athletic development. The stigma around mental health in sports is slowly reducing, and athletes like Pratika who have formal education in psychology can help normalize mental wellness focus.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pratika Rawal

Conclusion

Pratika Rawal’s journey from a multi-talented student-athlete to an emerging international cricket star is inspiring and instructive. Her story demonstrates that success at the highest level requires not just talent but also discipline, sacrifice, family support, and the courage to make difficult choices.

From winning a gold medal in basketball at the national level to scoring 154 runs in her sixth ODI, Pratika has consistently shown the ability to excel when it matters most. Her academic achievements—92.5% in board exams and a psychology degree, prove that athletic excellence and intellectual development can coexist with proper time management and dedication.

At just 24 years old, having made such an impressive start to her international career, Pratika Rawal has the potential to become one of Indian women’s cricket’s most dependable batters for the next decade or more. Her solid technique, strong temperament, and ability to convert starts into big scores are exactly the qualities India needs in the opening position.

Beyond cricket statistics, Pratika represents a new generation of Indian women athletes, educated, multi-talented, and unafraid to pursue their dreams despite societal expectations. Her background in psychology, her athletic versatility, and her academic excellence make her a role model for young people across India who are trying to balance multiple passions and ambitions.

As she continues her international career, learning from every match and growing as a cricketer, Pratika Rawal has the opportunity to write many more historic chapters in Indian women’s cricket. Her story is still being written, but the opening chapters suggest a career that will be worth following, one that combines sporting excellence with personal integrity and the courage to chart one’s own path.

From the basketball courts where she won national gold to the cricket fields where she’s now scoring international centuries, from psychology classrooms to the international cricket stage, Pratika Rawal has shown that with talent, hard work, and unwavering support, dreams can become reality. Her journey reminds us that the path to success is rarely linear, that multiple talents can inform and enhance each other, and that sometimes the most interesting stories come from those who refuse to be defined by just one dimension of their identity.