For Pratika Rawal, one innings in Australia has done more than mark a milestone — it has reinforced a belief about where women’s cricket needs to go next. After making her Test debut in demanding conditions, the India batter is now advocating for greater emphasis on the longest format as a pathway for both skill and character development.
Speaking during the Sports Journalists Federation of India conference hosted by the Delhi Sports Journalists Association on Monday, Rawal underlined her long-standing connection with red-ball cricket, shaped well before her international breakthrough. “Test cricket is the most beautiful format. Since childhood my father and coach have told me that performing well in this format is very important. When you are groomed in that manner, it naturally becomes your favourite format,” she said.
Australia debut reinforces value of red-ball cricket
Rawal’s views are grounded in recent experience. Her 63-run effort from 137 deliveries in the second innings of the one-off day-night Test in Australia played a key role in helping India avoid an innings defeat — an innings that demanded patience, adaptability, and control.
That exposure, she believes, is critical to shaping well-rounded cricketers. “The more Test matches we play, the better it will be. The experience of playing Test cricket not only improves you as a cricketer but also helps you grow as an individual,” she added.
Her preparation for such challenges has been influenced by studying some of the game’s greatest names. “I have watched many videos of great batters like Viv Richards, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting. The way they used to play in Test cricket has always inspired me,” she noted.
Recognition and performances fuel upward trajectory
Rawal’s rise has not been limited to the red-ball format. Prior to an injury setback at the ICC Women’s World Cup, she had scored 308 runs in six innings, finishing among the tournament’s leading run-scorers. Across her ODI career, she has accumulated 1,189 runs in 27 matches, including two centuries and eight half-centuries, highlighting her consistency in white-ball cricket as well.
Her recent performances have also been recognised off the field. At the SJFI event, she received a cash award of INR 51 lakh (approx. US$ 55K), presented by Delhi and District Cricket Association President Rohan Jaitley. Reflecting on the moment, she said, “Im extremely happy. It is wonderful when players receive recognition from time to time. I have played a lot of cricket in Delhi and to come here and receive an award from Rohan Sir is a proud moment for me,” she said.
She also looked back on her experience at the BCCI Naman Awards, describing its impact on players. “It was my first award ceremony with the BCCI and the entire evening was wonderful. Such recognition motivates players. The way the BCCI is honouring champions is a big step for Indian cricket. Various Indian teams won five global trophies last season and that shows how well cricket is doing in the country,” she stated.
Balancing ambition with long-term focus
Despite growing recognition and increasing expectations, Rawal remains grounded in her approach to the game. The emotional impact of representing India continues to shape her outlook. “That feeling has not gone away yet and I don’t think it should. It should remain memorable forever,” she continued.
Looking ahead, her focus remains on contribution rather than projection. “My aim is to perform well for the country and contribute to the team. I like to focus on one match at a time and I don’t think too much about the future,” she said.
