Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 18: As the countdown begins for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, India’s rising opener Pratika Rawal is preparing for the biggest stage of her career — and she’s doing it with quiet confidence, introspection, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Set to make her World Cup debut on home soil later this month, the 25-year-old Rawal spoke candidly to JioHotstar about her mindset, her chemistry with opening partner Smriti Mandhana, and how her family reacted to the news of her selection.

“I’ve visualised it a lot,” Rawal said of the tournament. “Of course, we have team meetings and 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.”

Since breaking into the ODI setup, Rawal has impressed with her consistency and poise at the top. Her performances in domestic cricket and a seamless transition to the international level have solidified her spot, and with over 1,000 ODI runs this year alongside Mandhana, their opening partnership has quickly become one of India’s most reliable.

On her equation with Mandhana, Rawal described an almost unspoken understanding:

“We don’t talk much between overs — it just feels natural. She does her thing, I do mine. Off the field too, we’re both introverts, or maybe ambiverts. So there’s no need to force a connection. It’s always fun to bat with her, honestly. Watching her take on bowlers is just amazing.”

But Rawal’s clarity of thought doesn’t end at the boundary. She reflected on her early love for leadership roles, saying she always gravitated toward responsibility — even in school.

“I always wanted to be the class monitor,” she laughed. “Even though I sat at the back, I used to top the class. I’ve always enjoyed taking on roles that push me. To me, responsibility is a privilege. It pushes me to be the best version of myself.”

That inner drive is now matched by the quiet pride of her family, who Rawal says may not be openly expressive — but whose emotions run deep.

“My parents don’t show it, but I can feel it,” she said. “When the squad was announced, I was at home with my brother. I told him, ‘Say congratulations,’ and he was just like, ‘Good for you, yaar.’ Later, I told my mom, and she simply said, ‘It’s a very good thing.’ But my coach said she’s been smiling differently for days.”

Rawal’s story — grounded in self-awareness, quiet grit, and an unwavering team-first mindset — adds yet another compelling layer to India's campaign as they prepare to host the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, which begins September 30.

For millions of fans, Rawal may be the new face of hope. For her, it’s about honouring the responsibility and enjoying the ride — one ball at a time.