Delhi girl Pratika makes an impactful first impression as India all-rounder

Spin-bowling all-rounder Pratika Rawal has stepped into the spotlight while vying for an opening spot previously held by the explosive Shafali Verma.

- Samreen Razzaqui

Verma, fresh off a stunning 197-run knock in a List A match for Haryana, seemed to be making a case for her return to the India line-up in the backdrop. Yet, Rawal's calm self-assurance has made her a standout player in her debut series against West Indies.

In just two matches, Rawal has emerged as India's third-highest run-scorer in the ODI series against West Indies with 116 runs at an average of 58, while also contributing with the ball - her two scalps include the prized wicket of skipper Hayley Matthews. The 24-year-old has exuded confidence in her performances while suggesting she is grounded.

Rawal, who is quite an all-rounder even off-the-field, is a high achiever of sorts. She scored 92.5% in her CBSE boards and majored in psychology at Delhi University's Jesus and Mary College. Formerly, a student at Bal Bharati School, she was 'poached' by Modern School, Barakhamba - one of the Capital's premier institutions - after seeing her cricketing prowess.