Pratika Rawal is an Indian Cricketer who recently played the best knock of her career with 89 runs which included 10 fours and a six. This helped India claim a win over Ireland in Rajkot last Friday. In the post-match conference, she said that her education in psychology has helped her cricket career which is still in its early phase with Pratika being just 25 years old at the moment.
In the previous Innings, India had restricted Ireland to 239 despite a number of fielding errors from the team. While chasing down the target, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal built a solid opening partnership of 70 runs which gave the batting side a good momentum early in the innings. After Smriti’s dismissal, India lost 2 quick wickets in succession and were reduced to 116/3. Thereafter, Pratika and Hansbis formed a 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket which provide a much-needed stability. India went on to win the match with 6 wickets in-hand. Pratika went on to become the ‘Player of the Match’ for her composed innings at the top of the order.
She mentions practicing positive self-talk prior to the match which helps her with focus and confidence. She says that being a psychology student has helped her out with her sport as it helps to control her nerves under the big lights. She also mentions that studying the human mind was always of interest and this has assisted her journey in cricket immensely.
She graduated in psychology from Jesus & Mary College in New Delhi. As she transitioned into domestic cricket, she started off her journey by playing for Delhi and later on for Railways. Impressive performances in both the one-day and T20 format earned her a call up to the national team in December 2024 for a series against the West Indies. This story showcases how psychology is an effective tool not just for daily life but for sports as well where it teaches us how to resilient and persevere during difficult situations. Pratika Rawal’s journey is the perfect example of this.
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