In a remarkable journey that intertwines academic excellence, athletic prowess, and cricketing brilliance, Pratika Rawal has emerged as India’s promising opening batter. At just 24 years old, Pratika’s story is one of resilience, versatility, and dedication.

A graduate in psychology from Jesus & Mary College in New Delhi, Pratika secured an impressive 92.5% in her CBSE Class 12 examinations. Her achievements, however, are not limited to academics. A gold medalist in basketball at the 64th School National Games in 2019, she has also displayed her talent across multiple sports disciplines.

Pratika’s passion for cricket took root early in life. Her father, Pradeep Rawal, a BCCI-certified umpire with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), nurtured her budding interest in the sport. At the age of 10, she joined the Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy, training under the legendary coach Sharvan Kumar. Despite being the academy’s first female trainee, Pratika’s enthusiasm and determination quickly earned her respect.

“She was a natural talent, but I always pushed her to work harder,” Sharvan recalls. “Her progress over the years has been phenomenal, and watching her don the Indian jersey is a proud moment for all of us.”

Pratika balanced cricket with her studies, excelling in both fields. She transitioned from Bal Bharati School to Modern School, Barakhamba Road, on the strength of her cricketing talent. The shift proved pivotal as it provided her access to better facilities and opportunities.

By 2021, Pratika had made headlines with a stunning 161-run knock for Delhi in her debut domestic season. Over the next two years, she amassed over 950 List A runs, cementing her reputation as a formidable batter. Her ability to adapt and refine her technique under coaches like Dipti Dhyani and Dishant Yagnik played a crucial role in her development.

“Initially, Pratika’s game was heavily leg-side dominant,” Yagnik, a former Rajasthan cricketer, explained. “We worked on her grip and balance, unlocking her potential to score freely on the off-side. This transformation made her a more versatile batter.”

Her adaptability extended to leadership roles, where she captained the Delhi U-23 team to the T20 Trophy final earlier this year. As she continues to shine in domestic cricket, her performances in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy have further solidified her place in the national setup.

Off the field, Pratika’s grounded demeanor endears her to peers and coaches alike. “She’s always been a team player, putting collective goals above personal milestones,” said Dhyani, who has closely mentored her through challenging phases in her career.

Now donning the national colors, Pratika’s ODI debut against the West Indies at the Kotambi Stadium marked a new chapter in her journey. For her father, who witnessed the match in Vadodara, and coach Sharvan Kumar, the moment was deeply emotional—a culmination of years of unwavering belief and hard work.

Pratika’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. As she embarks on her international career, her blend of academic rigor, sporting versatility, and cricketing skill sets her apart as a role model for aspiring athletes across the nation.

Manu Bhaker, a double bronze medallist at the Paris Olympics 2024, has found herself at the center of a significant controversy following her exclusion from the Khel Ratna awardees list. She said there might be a lapse, possibly on her part during the nomination filing, which is currently being rectified.

The 22-year-old on Tuesday acknowledged that there may have been an oversight in her nomination process for this year’s National Sports Awards.

Bhaker took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her perspective, a day after the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports stepped in to address the growing controversy. “Regarding the issue of my nomination for the esteemed Khel Ratna award, I want to clarify that as an athlete, my primary focus is to compete and excel for my country,” she wrote on X.

“While awards and recognition inspire me, they are not my ultimate goal. I believe there has been a lapse, possibly on my part during the nomination filing, which is currently being rectified,” she added.

In her statement, she continued, “Regardless of the award, I will remain driven to secure more medals for my country. I kindly request that everyone refrain from speculating on this matter.”

The controversy erupted when reports indicated that Bhaker, who made history as the first Indian athlete to win two medals at the Paris Olympics, was missing from the provisional list of Khel Ratna award nominees. Her remarkable achievements in July—earning bronze medals in both the 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events—solidified her status as a national icon.

According to reports, there were complications in the nomination process. Athletes must apply for the award through their respective federations, but Bhaker’s name was absent from the official submissions received by the ministry.

A ministry official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “The list that has been circulated is not final. Manu Bhaker’s name is still under consideration, and the selection committee will review it in their upcoming meeting.”

The selection committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge V. Ramasubramanian, also includes prominent athletes such as hockey star Rani Rampal and boxer-turned-BJP politician Vijender Singh.

This incident has sparked a wider debate regarding the treatment of non-cricketing athletes in India. The sports ministry’s defense surrounding the ‘provisional list’ has done little to mitigate the criticism, further raising concerns about the nomination processes employed by federations like the NRAI.

In a stellar display of batting, Harleen Deol achieved her maiden century in the second ODI between India Women and West Indies Women at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. India’s solid performance led to a commanding total of 358/5 in 50 overs, with Harleen’s 100 and Jemimah Rodrigues’ steady half-century laying the foundation. This performance comes as a testament to Harleen’s journey of resilience and determination, marking her rise from a promising young cricketer to a dependable force in the Indian team.

India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first after winning the toss, and the team didn’t disappoint. Harleen, who has been a vital presence in the middle order, played a controlled yet attacking innings, stitching crucial partnerships and showcasing her range of strokes. Jemimah Rodrigues provided excellent support with a well-timed half-century, further cementing India’s dominance in the game.

The journey behind the century

Harleen’s journey to the Indian team hasn’t been without its share of challenges. Born in Chandigarh and raised in Himachal Pradesh, she found her love for cricket at a young age but faced the typical societal pressures of pursuing a sport not as mainstream for women in India. Her father, a doctor, and mother, a homemaker, always supported her ambitions, despite the odds.

She gained attention early in her career for her aggressive batting style and agile fielding. In domestic cricket, Harleen became a standout player for Himachal Pradesh, and her fielding abilities earned her a place in the Indian squad. Her boundary catch during a T20I match against England in 2021 became iconic, showcasing her athleticism and determination.

Rising above setbacks

Harleen’s entry into the national team was not without challenges. Competing with seasoned players and constantly adapting to international standards tested her resilience. However, she has continually worked on her batting technique and all-round skills, ensuring she became a regular feature in India’s setup.

Today, her maiden century is not just a personal milestone but a symbol of her relentless hard work. It reflects her transformation from being known for a single moment of brilliance on the boundary to being recognized as a complete player who can anchor innings under pressure.

A bright future for India’s star

As Harleen walked off the field with her bat raised, the applause from her teammates and the crowd echoed the pride in her achievement. Her journey is an inspiration for countless young cricketers dreaming of wearing the Indian jersey.

With her current form and growing confidence, Harleen Deol is poised to be a key player for India as the team builds towards future tournaments, including the home ODI World Cup next year.