Pratika Rawal Steps Up as Jemimah Rodrigues Faces Injury Setback
Pratika Rawal has been given the opportunity to step into Jemimah Rodrigues’ shoes following Jemimah’s injury. This change has sparked discussions among cricket fans and experts as Rawal has been chosen as Jemimah’s replacement for both the Women’s Asia Cup and the Asian Games, marking her first call-up to the T20 International team.
Taking a closer look at Rawal’s performance in One Day Internationals (ODIs) helps to understand this selection better. She has quickly become a vital player for India’s ODI team, playing a significant role in their recent World Cup victory. However, the big question remains whether she has enough experience in T20 cricket to fill the gap left by Jemimah.
Jemimah has proven her worth as a No. 3 batter, known for her ability to rotate the strike, handle spin bowling, and accelerate the score after the powerplay. In contrast, Rawal has primarily played as an opener, which means she will need to make some adjustments to fit into a middle-order role.
India’s selectors seem to be placing their faith in Rawal’s adaptability rather than solely relying on her T20 stats.
Pratika’s T20 Performance So Far
So far, Pratika Rawal has participated in 24 T20 matches, accumulating 574 runs at an average of 24.96 and a strike rate of 105.32. She has hit five fifties, with her highest score being 76.
While these numbers show promise, the concern remains regarding her strike rate, especially for a potential No. 3 batter. India needs a player who can maintain a good scoring rate once the fielding restrictions are lifted, and Rawal’s performance does not yet provide strong evidence that she can do that consistently.
Adding to the uncertainty is Rawal’s lack of participation in recent T20 matches. Her last game in this format was in 2024, as injuries limited her play time, with most of her recent cricket being in ODIs. However, she has already demonstrated her capability against international bowlers in ODIs, presenting her as a strong contender. T20 cricket, however, requires faster decision-making and striking ability, which Rawal will need to show.
Other Candidates for Selection
The decision to select Rawal raises questions about other candidates who could have been chosen.
Niki Prasad was in outstanding form in T20, scoring 331 runs in just seven matches during the Maharani Trophy at an impressive average of 110.33 and a strike rate of 144.54. She also gained experience with the Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2026.
Vrinda Dinesh also had a solid domestic season, boasting 262 runs in seven matches with an average of 42.67 and a strike rate of 192.48. Another option is Anushka Sharma, who impressed playing for Gujarat Giants in the WPL and made her India T20I debut earlier this year in South Africa.
Yastika Bhatia has more T20 experience and has previously been included in India’s plans but was left out of both the Asia Cup and Asian Games squads, making her situation noteworthy.
Though none of these players were guaranteed selections, all showcased stronger recent T20 performances, making Rawal’s choice seem more like a long-term strategy rather than a recognition of her current T20 form.
Evaluating the Call-Up
The timing of Rawal’s selection is intriguing, especially since she had already committed to joining the Warwickshire team for the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. This opportunity would have allowed her to play competitive 50-over cricket in England, which could help her regain her rhythm after dealing with injuries.
Rather than focusing on her established ODI strengths in England, Rawal now faces the challenge of stepping into the T20I setup for India, possibly in a new batting position. While representing India is an incredible honor, some might argue that gaining experience in county cricket would have been beneficial for her development.
The selectors appear to believe Rawal’s ODI success will help her transition successfully into T20 cricket. The upcoming Asia Cup and Asian Games will be the first real tests of this belief.
In summary, Rawal’s selection seems to be more about the selectors’ confidence in her potential rather than her past T20 achievements. The true measure of their gamble will unfold in the tournaments ahead.
