In the bustling heart of Delhi, during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, a young girl turned her home into a training ground. Pratika Rawal, driven by her love for cricket, transformed her terrace into makeshift nets, practicing daily with unwavering determination. Every throw, every shot, every practice session was a step closer to her dream: representing India on the international stage. Today, that dream has come true, inspiring thousands of aspiring athletes across the country.
The humble beginnings
When cricket grounds were closed due to pandemic restrictions, Pratika’s father, Pradeep Rawal, a former cricketer and BCCI umpire, converted their terrace into a training area. Green nets hung across the parapet, providing a small but effective space to practice batting and bowling. “Until she got her practice, she wouldn’t sleep or eat,” recalls Pradeep. They maintained a strict schedule: an hour of practice in the morning and another in the evening. Pradeep’s experience in cricket helped him guide her, providing throwdowns, tips, and constant encouragement. This home setup became the foundation of Pratika’s remarkable journey.
Balancing academics and sports
While cricket was her passion, Pratika did not compromise on academics. She pursued and completed a degree in psychology from Delhi University. Balancing studies with rigorous training required discipline, time management, and perseverance. Interestingly, her academic background in psychology has enhanced her mental resilience on the cricket field, helping her stay calm under pressure and make smart decisions during matches, a quality essential for any elite athlete.
A father’s support
Pradeep Rawal’s support has been instrumental in Pratika’s journey. Beyond coaching, he ensured she stayed motivated. Before the Women’s World Cup, he had a banner that read: ‘100* – Pratika Rawal: Proud Moment of Father.’ This small gesture symbolized his unwavering belief in her abilities and the sacrifices they made together. His guidance has been more than technical; it has been emotional, building Pratika’s confidence to face challenges on and off the field.Breaking records on the international stage
Pratika’s dedication paid off during her international career. In a memorable World Cup match against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai, she scored 122 runs off 134 balls, leading India to a crucial victory. With this innings, she became the fastest woman to reach 1,000 runs in One Day Internationals, achieving the milestone in just 23 innings, a remarkable achievement that showcases her talent, hard work, and consistency.
From practicing on a terrace in Delhi to competing in world tournaments, Pratika’s journey embodies determination and perseverance. She continues to inspire young cricketers, especially girls, proving that talent, coupled with dedication and support, can overcome any obstacle. Her story reminds us that dreams, no matter how big, are achievable with focus, hard work, and encouragement.
Pratika Rawal’s story is more than cricket. It is about resilience, family support, and chasing one’s dreams relentlessly. From makeshift terrace nets to breaking records on the world stage, she is a beacon of inspiration, proving that with determination and guidance, no dream is too far to reach.
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