Pratika Rawal has been sensational since her debut for the Indian Women’s team. In just six ODIs, she has accumulated 444 runs at an average of 74 and a strike rate of 95.68. With three fifties and a century to her name, she has shown remarkable consistency. In her last ODI against Ireland, Pratika scored an impressive 154 and was awarded the Player of the Series for amassing 310 runs in the three-match series.
Having consistently performed in domestic cricket, Pratika has seamlessly transitioned to the international stage, proving herself as a rising star. In an exclusive chat with RevSportz, Sharvan Kumar, her childhood coach, reflected on her journey, sharing his feelings of pride seeing her on the international stage. He discussed the challenges she might face in England, her World Cup chances, and more.
As a coach, how proud are you after seeing Pratika do so well in the international arena?
See, a coach always comes after parents. As much as a parent becomes happy, a coach becomes happier. A coach makes a player and works really hard to develop that player. Parents have their own sacrifices and all. So when I see that one of my kids is doing so well, and that too at the highest level, it is a happy moment for me.
India’s opening partnerships between Pratika and Smriti Mandhana have been superb so far. Is there any factor that has been working for this pair?
– Pratika is a stroke player who takes her time and does not look to score 50 off 20 balls through risky shots. She knows how to play long innings, ball-by-ball and showed that in the third ODI. After Deepti Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, she is just the third player to score more than 150 in a WODI.
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Obviously, playing with Smriti has played a huge role. It always helps when you play alongside a senior player. It gives a lot of confidence, especially when you perform and your senior players tap you on the shoulder. That gives confidence, and that only takes you forward.
Can you share any stories from your coaching days regarding her?
– Pratika came to me when she was around nine or ten years old. The first impression I got seeing her was that she could play. She was the first girl who trained at my academy. After her, three other girls from my academy went on to play international cricket – Priya Mishra, Simran Dil Bahadur, and Nepal’s Puja Mahato.
I never took any fees from these girls. I have always said that if you need anything to improve, let me know. I consider these girls as my own daughters. As of now, I have around 30 girls training under me, but even now, the approach remains the same. If anyone needs anything to improve their game, I am there.
The next 3 ODIs are going to be in England. How challenging that could be for Pratika?
– See, for a beginner, it always helps if he or she gets slightly less competitive teams like the West Indies and Ireland at the start. Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa are the top teams, and every player faces challenges to prove themselves against them, especially while playing in those conditions.
But once you get a start like Pratika did, it gives a huge boost to confidence levels. I believe that she has the game to do well in England as well. Obviously, England bowlers will be more experienced and will provide swing and a bit of bounce too. But it is all about the mindset. If she can keep calm and perform, she will find success.
In modern days, be it the IPL or WPL, if a player does well in those leagues, he or she knocks on the door of the Indian team. But, Pratika did well in the domestic arena and got the chance. Do you think that domestic cricket success should be the benchmark?
– I will say domestic cricket is a must as a benchmark, along with the IPL or WPL. You cannot select players for every format based on just a good IPL or WPL. There is a huge difference between bowling just four overs in a T20 game and bowling long spells in an ODI or Test.
You cannot name more than one or two players who have done exceptionally well for the Indian men’s team after being picked from the IPL. That is why performing consistently in domestic cricket should remain a key consideration.
Were you a bit sad or surprised to see Pratika going unsold for the WPL 2025?
– It is very hard to understand what the franchises think. Last year, Simran Bahadur was with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). She did decently in whatever opportunities she got, whether in the WPL or the domestic circuit, and RCB also became champions.
But this time, she went unsold. So, as a coach, it is always sad to see your kids go unsold, but they will be back. The main goal for any player should be to perform, wherever you are playing, and that should be the focus.
Do you believe Pratika has cemented a place in the national side for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India?
– See, nothing is ever cemented. But my point is, if you perform regularly, then why wouldn’t the selectors play you in the World Cup? Any team will want their best player, at a particular position, for an event like the World Cup.
It should not be a case of asking, ‘Why am I not getting selected?’ Look at Shafali Verma. She is scoring tons of runs in domestic tournaments. Hence, the talks are back about why she is not getting a place back in the team.
Through her performances, she made the selectors and fans think about it. Therefore, performance is the key, and that is the only thing that cements a place for any player, be it Pratika or anyone else.
Did you have any chat with Pratika recently?
– No, I do not call or text any cricketers. But I am always available on the phone. Again, I am saying, if they need any help regarding the game, they can let me know, and I will try my best to help them always.
Also Read: Pratika and Smriti shine in record-breaking win for India Women