 "India opener Pratika Rawal shares insights on mindset and team goals before World Cup 2025")
With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 fast approaching, India opener Pratika Rawal shared candid reflections on JioHotstar’s special show ‘Off the Pitch’, opening up about her mindset, bond with vice-captain and opening partner Smriti Mandhana and the balance between academics and cricket.
Speaking on JioHotstar’s show Off the Pitch, Pratika Rawal spoke about her mental conditioning and outlook: “I do have a mindset. I have visualized it a lot, and visualization is something that comes from psychology. I have thought deeply about myself, about how I need to progress. Of course, there are team meetings and different strategies, but beyond personal goals, I value team goals more. If I can be an asset to the team, I believe that’s the greatest contribution I can make.”
On her understanding with Smriti Mandhana: “I think it’s quite easy and quite natural. We don’t have to talk much between innings, she does what she does best, and I do what I do best. There’s an understanding between us that feels natural, not made up. Even off the field, she is an introvert and so am I, though we’d call ourselves more ambiverts. Because of that, we don’t need to put in extra effort to connect, we already understand each other. On the field, the only focus is the next ball, and everything else follows step by step. I enjoy batting with her more than she enjoys batting with me, so it’s always great, especially the way she plays and takes on every ball. It’s just so amazing to see.”
On responsibility and leadership: “As a kid, I always loved taking up responsibilities and enjoyed being a leader in school. I always wanted to be the class monitor. Even though I wasn’t a front bencher, I used to sit at the back and I consistently topped the exams. My teachers were very supportive and never put pressure on me, which allowed me to grow in my own way. From the beginning, I enjoyed leadership roles and taking responsibility. Even now, I see this responsibility as a privilege. It motivates me to become the best version of myself. As a young cricketer who has just started playing for India, it feels special that the whole country has faith in me to deliver at this stage.”
On her World Cup selection and family’s reaction: “My mom and dad are not very expressive. They don’t show emotions openly, but I know they feel a lot. When my name was announced at the press conference, I was at home with my brother while my parents were out. I went to my brother’s room and told him, ‘Say congratulations to me.’ He asked why, and I said, ‘I got selected for the World Cup.’ His reaction was just, ‘That’s it? Good for you, yaar.’ Later, I called my mom and told her, and she simply said, ‘It’s a very good thing, very good.’ They play it subtle, but I can feel their pride. Even my coach told me that my mom has had a different smile on her face for days. They may not show it directly, but I know they are very happy.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsOn academics and family expectations: “I come from a family where everyone is either an engineer, a businessman, or a lawyer. Most of my cousins are lawyers, and my brother is pursuing engineering. So, there was always pressure from my family to focus on studies, no matter what. I remember in the 12th standard, my mom told me I had to score at least 90%, otherwise I would have to leave cricket. Even my grandparents felt it was a matter of pride that I do well in studies because it runs in the family. In that way, I was groomed to take academics seriously. I won’t say it was forced, I actually enjoyed it too.”
Catch all the action from the ICC Women’s World Cup India 2025, starting September 30, LIVE on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network
 "'It's an unbreakable bond': Trump on US-UK relationship as he holds talks with Starmer")
 "India expects breakthrough on additional 25% US tariffs within two months, says CEA Nageswaran")
 "UK deports first migrant to France under Starmer’s ‘one in, one out’ deal")
 "Neeraj Chopra fails to defend world title, Arshad Nadeem struggles but Sachin Yadav impresses")
 "'It's an unbreakable bond': Trump on US-UK relationship as he holds talks with Starmer")
 "India expects breakthrough on additional 25% US tariffs within two months, says CEA Nageswaran")
 "UK deports first migrant to France under Starmer’s ‘one in, one out’ deal")
 "Neeraj Chopra fails to defend world title, Arshad Nadeem struggles but Sachin Yadav impresses")
