As Indian cricket sets its sights on a landmark year ahead, with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 and other major global events looming, former India batter Robin Uthappa has singled out a young star who could become one of the most compelling stories of 2026: Pratika Rawal. Uthappa’s praise for the Indian opener reflects not just her natural talent but also the resilience and promise she has shown in a meteoric rise through international cricket.
Rawal’s journey to this point is a compelling mix of raw ability, hard work, and early success at the highest level. After making her ODI debut for India in December 2024 against the West Indies, the right-handed batter quickly showcased her temperament and class, becoming the 150th woman to don India colours in ODIs. In just a handful of matches, she etched her name into the record books with performances that spoke as much of maturity as youthful exuberance.
Her standout moment came early: a breathtaking 154-run innings against Ireland, where she demonstrated an ability to control the innings with authority and patience. That knock was a statement to opponents and teammates alike that Rawal was not merely another promising youngster but a potential pillar of India’s batting future.
Such explosive starts laid the foundation for what was expected to be a defining World Cup debut in 2025. Rawal did not disappoint. She finished as one of India’s leading run-scorers at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, amassing 308 runs at an impressive average above 50. Her tally included a classy century and crucial contributions that helped India navigate challenging conditions and big-match pressure, all before an unfortunate injury cut her campaign short.
The injury itself, a twisted ankle sustained while saving a boundary during a group-stage match, was a bitter blow. Yet Rawal’s absence from the closing stages of the tournament did little to diminish her impact. Her replacement, Shafali Verma, carried the momentum forward, and India lifted the trophy, with Rawal still receiving her winner’s medal in recognition of her contributions throughout the campaign.
The reward was both symbolic and heartfelt: the Delhi government announced a ₹1.5 crore prize, with the Delhi & District Cricket Association adding ₹50 lakh more in recognition of her exemplary World Cup performance.
Off the pitch, Rawal’s personality and perspective have won her as many admirers as her batting. A psychology student by education, she spoke candidly about coping with the disappointment of missing the World Cup final, praising her replacement and showing genuine team spirit, an attitude that endears her to both fans and teammates.
Looking ahead to 2026, Uthappa’s endorsement signals that Rawal’s window for making a lasting mark on the international stage is wide open. He pointed to her injury recovery and the likelihood of a strong comeback, suggesting she could well be among India’s most exciting performers in the coming season.
Speaking on Jio Hotstar, he said, “Pratika Rawal. She faced an injury during the World Cup and will come into the play with a good form. Looking forward to her coming in and smashing a few records, doing exceptionally well.”
At just 25 years old, Rawal has already packed a great deal of achievement into a short span: eye-catching centuries, a prominent place on cricket’s biggest stage, high-stakes pressure situations, and the perseverance to bounce back from setbacks. For a sport hungry for fresh heroes, Pratika Rawal represents not only the present but the very future of Indian women’s batting.
As cricket fans and selectors alike look toward upcoming tournaments in 2026, Rawal’s name is sure to be at the forefront of conversations, less as a hopeful prospect and more as a genuine contender to leave an indelible mark on the game.
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