By News18,Vivek Ganapathy

Copyright news18

Indian women’s cricket team opener Pratika Rawal, who has cemented her place in the side with multiple solid showings since her debut late last year, opened up on a multitude of things as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 looms large on the horizon.
In her appearance in JioHotstar’s special show ‘Off the Pitch’, Rawal, a psychology graduate, reflected on her frame of mind, the art of balancing sport and academics.
“I do have a mindset. I have visualized it a lot, and visualization is something that comes from psychology,” Rawal began.
“I have thought deeply about myself, about how I need to progress. Of course, there are team meetings and different strategies, but beyond personal goals, I value team goals more. If I can be an asset to the team, I believe that’s the greatest contribution I can make,” she added.
“I come from a family where everyone is either an engineer, a businessman, or a lawyer. Most of my cousins are lawyers, and my brother is pursuing engineering. So, there was always pressure from my family to focus on studies, no matter what.”
“I remember in the 12th standard, my mom told me I had to score at least 90%, otherwise I would have to leave cricket. Even my grandparents felt it was a matter of pride that I do well in studies because it runs in the family. In that way, I was groomed to take academics seriously. I won’t say it was forced, I actually enjoyed it too,” Rawal recollected.
Rawal also touched up on her bond with the side’s deputy skipper and opening partner Smriti Mandhana, who has been the flagbearer for the women’s sport in the nation for a prolonged period of time now.
“I think it’s quite easy and quite natural. We don’t have to talk much between innings, she does what she does best, and I do what I do best. There’s an understanding between us that feels natural, not made up,” the 25-year-old said.
“Even off the field, she is an introvert and so am I, though we’d call ourselves more ambiverts. Because of that, we don’t need to put in extra effort to connect, we already understand each other,” Rawal continued.
“On the field, the only focus is the next ball, and everything else follows step by step. I enjoy batting with her more than she enjoys batting with me, so it’s always great, especially the way she plays and takes on every ball. It’s just so amazing to see,” she added.
Rawal also went on to talk about her penchanct for taking up responsibility on her shoulders ever since a very young age, and shared how her family reacted afer she was named in the Indian squad for the upcoming spectcle.
“As a kid, I always loved taking up responsibilities and enjoyed being a leader in school. I always wanted to be the class monitor. Even though I wasn’t a front bencher,I used to sit at the back and I consistently topped the exams. My teachers were very supportive and never put pressure on me, which allowed me to grow in my own way.”
“From the beginning, I enjoyed leadership roles and taking responsibility. Even now, I see this responsibility as a privilege. It motivates me to become the best version of myself. As a young cricketer, who has just started playing for India, it feels special that the whole country has faith in me to deliver at this stage,” the right-hand-batter added.
“My mom and dad are not very expressive. They don’t show emotions openly, but I know they feel a lot,” Rawal said.
“When my name was announced at the press conference, I was at home with my brother while my parents were out. I went to my brother’s room and told him, ‘Say congratulations to me.’ He asked why, and I said, ‘I got selected for the World Cup.’ His reaction was just, ‘That’s it? Good for you, yaar.’ Later, I called my mom and told her, and she simply said, ‘It’s a very good thing, very good.’ They play it subtle, but I can feel their pride. Even my coach told me that my mom has had a different smile on her face for days. They may not show it directly, but I know they are very happy,” she divulged.
Catch all the action from the ICC Women’s World Cup India 2025, starting September 30, LIVE on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network