Pratika Rawal's rise and India's bold charge towards Women's World Cup glory

India Today

04-05-2025

India were left disappointed after their hopes of securing a coveted world title were dashed by an early exit from the T20 World Cup in the UAE last year. Harmanpreet Kaur faced heavy criticism for the team's lack of intent during the campaign. However, India will have a chance to redeem themselves and restore their reputation when they compete in the ODI World Cup later this year on home soil.advertisementWith the mega event fast approaching, women's cricket in India has undergone a significant transition over the past six months. India have handed debut caps to ten players in ODIs: Minnu Mani, Tejal Hasabnis, Pratika Rawal, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor, Priya Mishra, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Sayali Satghare, and Sree Charani.With such a broad talent pool, the team management is expected to face a welcome dilemma when selecting the final 15-member squad for the World Cup. However, former Indian cricketer Devika Palshikar cautioned that experimenting so close to a major tournament could end up being counterproductive.
'If you ask for my opinion, then before the World Cup, we really shouldn't be doing all these experiments. As you rightly said, they've already handed caps to ten different players, even though the World Cup is just six months away,' Palshikar told IndiaToday.in.advertisement'So basically, I've always felt that this isn't something new to this World Cup, it's been happening for many years now. The selectors tend to experiment far too much. I'm sure the captain or coach doesn't get a consistent, settled team. They go more on an experimental basis.'The same thing has happened again this time, so I was a bit disappointed. But then again, I'm sure whoever they've selected, they must've seen some potential in them, otherwise they wouldn't have picked them. At least, that's what I'm assuming,' Palshikar added.Uttarakhand's Raghvi Bist, who didn't feature in the series against Ireland, and Madhya Pradesh left-arm spinner Shuchi Upadhyay, who is yet to play a match since her maiden call-up during the tri-nation series in Sri Lanka, also remain in the wings.Pratika power
Pratika Rawal became the fastest batter to 500 runs in Women's ODIs. Courtesy: BCCI Women
Amongst the fresh faces, Pratika has emerged as a standout performer. Since her debut against the West Indies last year, the 24-year-old has impressed with a remarkable 154-run innings against Ireland in January. Continuing her fine form in the ongoing tri-series, she shattered a long-standing record held by England's Charlotte Edwards, becoming the fastest batter to reach 500 runs in Women's ODIs.advertisementDespite her rising stock, Pratika is yet to feature in the Women's Premier League (WPL), though she was invited for trials by the two-time champions, Mumbai Indians. Palshikar, who also serves as MI's batting coach, commended her composure and expressed confidence in her chances of making it to the World Cup squad.'Her record is impressive, and right now I believe she's the number one in terms of fastest to 500 ODI runs. So, her temperament must definitely be good,' Palshikar said.That Maiden ODI Hundred Feeling Updates https://t.co/xOe6thhPiL#TeamIndia | #INDvIRE | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/GgwPOGL3Uk— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) January 15, 2025'Technically, if you ask me, I haven't seen much of her. She did come in for a couple of trials when we scouted her for Mumbai Indians. That's really all I've seen of her in person. Apart from that, I've mostly just followed her scores.'But the way she's playing at the moment, her temperament seems really solid. And yes, she's doing well for India. So maybe she could be a very good pick for the World Cup,' Palshikar added.advertisementPratika also holds the distinction of being the second-fastest batter across both men's and women's ODIs to reach 500 runs—trailing only South Africa's Janneman Malan, who achieved the milestone in seven innings. Her stellar form has propelled her into the top 10 run-scorers among Indian openers in Women's ODIs, placing her alongside elite names such as Jaya Sharma, Anju Jain, Smriti Mandhana, and Punam Raut.Pratika vs Shafali
Pratika Rawal had replaced Shafali Verma in the Indian team. Courtesy: PTI/BCCI Women
Pratika's entry into the Indian team came after the management decided to move on from Shafali Verma following a disappointing home series against New Zealand last October. Yet, Devika Palshikar warned against writing off Shafali's abilities.While Pratika has stepped in as Mandhana's new opening partner, Palshikar stressed that comparing the two would be like comparing mangoes and oranges—each bringing their own strengths to the table. She further added that for India to excel at the World Cup, bringing Shafali back into the mix could be crucial.advertisement'Right now, Shafali is performing really well. See, for me—again—I don't want to compare Shafali and Pratika. No doubt, she (Pratika) has come in as an opener, and of course she's stepped into Shafali's spot. But for me, Shafali stands out because of the kind of technique and approach she has towards every format—whether it's T20s, one-dayers, or even Test matches. I mean, she's proven herself in all formats,' Palshikar said.'As for the actual reasons why she hasn't been picked recently—I genuinely don't know. But again, comparing these two is like comparing mangoes and oranges, which I really don't want to do. Shafali has her own game, her own approach, her own temperament and style."And Pratika has a completely different style. So, in my view, both can fit into the team. If India is really thinking about winning the World Cup, then I feel Shafali should definitely be there,' Palshikar added.advertisementPatience and aggression
Shafali Verma was in good form in the domestic season. Courtesy: PTI
After being dropped from the Indian team, Shafali Verma responded with a string of dominant performances on the domestic circuit. She emerged as the top run-scorer in the Senior Women's One-Day Trophy, amassing 527 runs from seven innings at an average of 75.29, including two centuries and a highest score of 197 against Bengal in Rajkot.The 21-year-old continued her fine form in the Senior Women's One-Day Challenger Trophy, tallying 414 runs in five matches at an average of 82.80, with a top score of 115. She then scored 307 runs for the Delhi Capitals in the WPL, before putting together another solid showing in the Senior Women's Multi-Day Challenger Trophy, where she compiled 209 runs at an average of 52.25.Also Read: After India snub, Shafali Verma blasts 197 off 115 in Senior Women's One-Day TrophyPalshikar, who represented India in one Test and 15 ODIs between 2006 and 2008, advised Shafali to remain positive, trust the process, and continue playing her natural aggressive game while waiting for the right opportunity.'I would really like to advise her to stay positive. Her chance will come soon—that's what I'm praying for. And whenever she gets that opportunity, she should play the way she always does. That aggression—that's the best part about her batting. So my advice to her is to stick to that aggression.' Palshikar said.Return of Rana
Sneh Rana took a five-wicket haul against South Africa. Courtesy: BCCI Women
While India have largely focused on grooming young talent, they've also turned to experience with the return of key all-rounder Sneh Rana. The 31-year-old, who featured for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as a replacement for Shreyanka Patil in the WPL, recently made her ODI comeback after a 16-month hiatus—and has more than justified the call-up.Although she missed out on the Player of the Match award, her tidy spell of 3 for 31 in 8 overs played a crucial role in India's nine-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the tri-series opener in Colombo. She then delivered a match-winning performance against South Africa, claiming 5 for 43 in 10 overs to earn the Player of the Match honours.Palshikar emphasised that, based on her standout performances in the tri-series, Sneh Rana deserves a place in the Indian squad for the World Cup and should not be overlooked.'Definitely. Now that she's proven her selection in the last two games, I think the selectors—or rather our management—really shouldn't be doing much more experimenting. Especially with the World Cup just four or five months away,' Palshikar said.'From what I see, they've more or less selected the core of the squad. They should now give full freedom to the coach and captain to work out the final tactical details and start planning specifically for the World Cup.'For those unfamiliar, Sneh Rana was part of India's squad in the Women's ODI World Cup held in New Zealand, where she made a significant impact—claiming 10 wickets, including a four-wicket haul, and scoring 101 runs at an average of 25.25. Reflecting on India's current setup, Palshikar noted that apart from a couple of minor tweaks, the squad currently touring Sri Lanka should form the core of the team for the upcoming World Cup.'This should be the final squad—with maybe just one or two changes. Like I've said before, I'd really like to see Shafali in the team. I want to see her actually playing in the XI, because for me, she's a player of a different level, and she absolutely deserves to be there,' Palshikar said.'And yes, Rana should also be part of the squad, because she brings a lot of experience. She's already played on the big stage, and the World Cup is one of those events where having experienced players is incredibly important,' Palshikar added.The unfulfilled dream
Harmanpreet Kaur will look to win her maiden ICC title. Courtesy: PTI
When it comes to experience, all eyes will be on skipper Harmanpreet Kaur as she plays in her fifth ODI World Cup. At 36, it's uncertain whether she'll feature in another edition. With India still chasing its first world title, this tournament—being held at home—offers Harmanpreet a golden opportunity to lead the team to glory.Earlier this year, Harmanpreet Kaur led the Mumbai Indians (MI) to their second WPL title in 2025—her second in the tournament as well. With the World Cup approaching, the year could become even more special for her.'If that happens, it would truly be the cherry on top. And speaking about Harman, I think she plays every match with the sole aim of winning. The kind of attitude she brings on the field—it's clear she wants to win every single game,' Palshikar said.'So I'm sure her approach for the World Cup will be no different. She'll go in looking to win. Whether or not this is her last World Cup, I've no idea—but one thing's certain: whenever she plays, she plays to win.'From the bottom of my heart, I genuinely wish Harman leads the team to a World Cup victory as captain. That would be something truly special,' Palshikar signed off.In 2005, Karen Rolton's unbeaten 107 at SuperSport Park in Centurion broke Indian hearts. In 2017, it was Anya Shrubsole's heroic six-wicket haul at Lord's that once again shattered India's dreams.After enduring two such heartbreaks, India can find inspiration in New Zealand's journey in the Women's T20 World Cup — a team that lost back-to-back finals in 2009 and 2010, before finally triumphing last year in the UAE.Must Watch