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In the high-stakes world of professional cricket, unexpected twists can define careers. For psychology student and talented cricketer Pratika Rawal, an untimely injury meant missing the biggest matches of her career, including a World Cup final. Yet, it was her deep understanding of human behavior that allowed her to make a remarkable prediction: that her replacement, Shafali Verma, would shine on the grandest stage.
Rawal’s story is one of resilience, insight, and an unwavering commitment to her team, even when sidelined. It’s a testament to how mental fortitude can be as crucial as physical prowess in overcoming adversity.
The Unforeseen Twist: Injury and a Prophetic Prediction
Pratika Rawal’s journey took an unexpected turn when ankle and knee injuries forced her out of the World Cup final. Despite this personal setback, her psychological acumen kicked in. She had a strong feeling that Shafali Verma, stepping into her shoes, was destined for greatness that day.
Her prediction proved accurate, a testament to her keen observation skills. Rawal shared her pre-final interaction with Verma:
“Shafali doesn’t need motivation. She plays with instinct and belief. Before the final, she came up to me and said, ‘I’m really sorry you can’t play,’ and I told her it’s fine, these things happen. I had a feeling she would do something special that day.”
Navigating Disappointment with a Psychologist’s Mindset
The Injury That Changed Everything
The injury occurred during the final group league match against Bangladesh. At that point, Rawal was a standout performer, having scored an impressive 308 runs and ranking third in run-scoring during the tournament, behind only Smriti Mandhana (434) and Ashleigh Gardner (328).
Missing crucial World Cup matches due to injury would be devastating for any athlete. However, Pratika Rawal’s background in psychology provided her with unique tools to cope with the immense disappointment.
Embracing Acceptance and Control
Rawal, though not yet a master in psychology, consciously applied her understanding of human emotions to her own situation. She explained her approach with a smile:
“I should not say I am a psychologist yet because I haven’t completed my Masters’ degree. But as someone who has studied psychology, it really helped me to understand human emotions better – including my own. The first thing is to accept what’s happened. You can’t undo it.”
Once she accepted the reality of her injury, Rawal shifted her focus to what she could control, empowering her recovery journey:
- Accepting the injury’s reality
- Focussing on her recovery process
- Ensuring adequate sleep and nutrition
- Actively supporting her team from the sidelines
The Strength of a Support System
Despite the initial disappointment, Rawal experienced no breakdown. She credits a robust support system for helping her maintain a positive outlook.
Her father, coach Shravan Kumar, mother, and brother played crucial roles, offering unwavering emotional support. She noted, “They didn’t let me spiral or feel alone.”
Interestingly, her father took the injury harder than she did:
“I don’t show emotions easily, but my dad cried a lot – I had to calm him down.”
World Cup Glory, Even from the Sidelines
Celebrating a World Cup victory while confined to a wheelchair is an experience few can imagine. For Rawal, the magnitude of the achievement is still sinking in.
She shared her surreal feelings about the win:
“It’s going to take me a lot of time to get used to the fact that we have won the World Cup. It has not sunk in yet. Whenever I see that trophy, that’s when I realised, oh, this has actually happened.”
Clearing the Air: The Medal Story
There was some confusion online regarding Rawal’s World Cup medal. She took the opportunity to set the record straight.
“I have my own medal now. One of the support staff had lent me theirs temporarily because mine hadn’t reached on time. Jay (Shah) sir has sent me a medal, someone told me. I was so happy but people made a big deal of it online, it will take some time but will come to me.”
A Stellar Career and Team-First Ethos
Since her debut in 2022, Pratika Rawal has already carved out an impressive career. In just 24 ODIs, she has accumulated over 1,100 runs, boasting two centuries and seven fifties, with an exceptional average of 50.45.
Beyond the statistics, Rawal emphasizes a team-first philosophy that defines their dressing room culture.
“We didn’t think about social media or criticism. It was always about what was happening inside our dressing room. We had a lot of open conversations, and everyone took responsibility. That was the difference.”
Her versatility is another key aspect of her game:
“Every match demands something different. If Smriti (Mandhana) gets out early, I’m told to anchor and stay long. If we need to score runs quickly, I’m asked to accelerate. For me, it’s never about personal milestones, it’s about the team’s rhythm.”
The Road Ahead: Recovery and a Resilient Comeback
Pratika Rawal’s focus is now squarely on her recovery and making a strong return to the field. She reports significant progress in her rehabilitation.
She is optimistic about her future:
“I’m feeling a lot better now. My x-ray is due in a few days, and I’m doing most things on my own. I’ve started light mobility work too. Once the doctors clear me, I’ll start batting again. I’m very excited to return — I miss holding the bat.”
A Light Moment with the Prime Minister
Even amidst recovery, there are memorable moments. Rawal recalled an amusing encounter during a team meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
“He offered me bhel because I was on a wheelchair. I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God, this is the most expensive bhel I’ve ever had!'” she laughed.
Conclusion: A Champion’s Spirit, On and Off the Field
Pratika Rawal embodies the spirit of a true athlete: determined, resilient, and insightful. Her psychology background has not only helped her navigate personal challenges but also given her a unique perspective on the game itself.
With her recovery progressing well, Rawal is setting her sights on future cricketing opportunities, including the domestic season and potentially the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
“My next target is to complete rehab properly and come back for the domestic season. I don’t like rushing recovery. I’m a person who can bat all day and still not get tired — I want to get back to that zone.” She added, “Maybe the next WPL season. For now, it is all about being fit, training smart, and doing justice to the opportunities that come my way.”
Her journey reminds us that sometimes, the greatest strength comes not just from physical ability, but from the unwavering power of the mind and an unshakeable belief in oneself and the team.
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