Tue Dec 24 08:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Vadodara Debut: Pratika Rawal’s Journey from Delhi Schoolgirl to Indian Cricketer

**Vadodara, December 24, 2024** – Pratika Rawal, a 24-year-old cricketer from Delhi, made her One Day International (ODI) debut for India against the West Indies on December 22nd at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. Rawal’s journey to the national team is a testament to her talent, dedication, and unwavering support system.

Rawal’s passion for cricket ignited at the age of 10, encouraged by her father, a BCCI-certified umpire. She honed her skills at the Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy under coach Shravan Kumar, becoming the first girl to train there. Kumar recalls her early enthusiasm and predicted her future success, noting that she was a highly talented, if initially leg-side dominant, player.

Balancing academics and cricket, Rawal excelled in both. She achieved 92.5% in her CBSE exams and won a gold medal in basketball at the 64th School National Games. Her cricketing prowess led to her recruitment by Modern School, Delhi, despite initial hesitation from her and her family.

Rawal’s talent blossomed. She scored a remarkable 161 runs in a single innings early in her career, and consistently delivered impressive performances in domestic cricket, including 552 List A runs in the 2022-23 season and 411 runs in the following season. Former cricketer Dipti Dhyani and Dishant Yagnik, assistant coach at Rajasthan Royals, played crucial roles in refining her technique, helping her to develop a more balanced approach and unlock her off-side game.

Rawal captained the Delhi U-23 team to the T20 Trophy final earlier this year and has recently joined the Railways. Her consistent high performance secured her a spot in the national team and her first appearance on the international stage, a moment full of emotion for her coaches, family, and herself.

While acknowledging her success, coaches emphasize that this is just the beginning of Rawal’s international career, highlighting her resilience and positive mindset as key to her continued growth. Her debut marks a significant milestone, not only for her but also for women’s cricket in India.

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