Pratika Rawal, a rapidly ascending batter in Indian women’s cricket, is channeling her energy into recovery following an ankle fracture that ended her World Cup campaign. The injury occurred just as she was hitting her stride, including a pivotal century against New Zealand that propelled India forward. Rawal, who made the switch from basketball to cricket, has become a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup. Her rapid ascent includes becoming one of the joint-fastest to achieve 1000 ODI runs in only 23 innings. Alongside Smriti Mandhana, she forms one of the most formidable opening partnerships in women’s cricket history, with an exceptional average and a substantial run tally. The World Cup presented Rawal with a moment of glory: a resilient 122 against New Zealand that was instrumental in reaching the semi-finals. Unfortunately, her tournament was cut short by a slip on a wet outfield, leading to a fractured ankle. Reflecting on the incident, Rawal described her instinct to get back up and walk, a testament to her strong will. She admitted to screaming in pain, a rare display for her, and her immediate concern was returning to bat. Despite her physical absence, Rawal remained a vocal presence for the team. She was celebrated with the team after their historic World Cup victory. Rawal accepts the injury as part of the sport, stating that her focus is now on recovery and emerging ‘much stronger.’
