'She has to go out there and score runs' - Anjum Chopra analyses Pratika Rawal's T20 batting approach

Pratika Rawal made her T20 International debut for India on Sunday, August 30, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in a Women's Asia Cup group match against Thailand. Rawal came into the squad as a replacement for Jemimah Rodrigues, who was ruled out with a hamstring injury. She received her maiden T20I cap from captain Harmanpreet Kaur and batted at number three in India's innings.

Rawal scored 22 runs off 18 balls, striking two fours and one six with a strike rate of 122.22. She was bowled by Suleeporn Laomi in the ninth over after arriving at the crease when 38 runs were already on the board. Her aggressive approach and willingness to take calculated risks impressed observers, particularly former India captain Anjum Chopra, who analysed her performance.

"She made a very good start in her own way. That first shot she played, where she scored six runs, I think that was her second scoring shot. At least, it shows the intent, and she understands that she is coming in at number three. There were already 38 runs on the board, so at that point she cannot just take singles and twos. She has to go out there and score runs," Chopra told the broadcasters after the match.

Rawal's six came inside out over long-off off Sunida Chaturongrattana, demonstrating her understanding of her role in the middle order and her willingness to take risks early in her T20I career. Chopra noted that this approach was appropriate given the match situation when Rawal arrived at the crease.

Beyond her batting contribution, Rawal made an impact on the field. She took a sharp catch at cover to dismiss Phannita Maya, who had sliced a drive after coming down the track to a fullish delivery from Nandani Sharma. Rawal leapt above her head to complete the catch, showing her commitment to contribute across all facets of the game.

"Then she came back onto the field and contributed with a catch like that. It just goes to show that she is at least making the effort to make her presence felt," Chopra said.

Rawal's T20I debut came after a gap from competitive T20 cricket. She had not played T20 matches since 2024 and did not feature for UP Warriorz in the 2026 Women's Premier League. However, she brought significant experience from her ODI career, where she had scored 1,189 runs in 27 matches at an average of 47.56 before the Asia Cup.

Chopra highlighted Rawal's mindset and her desire to make an impression whenever she gets out of the pitch. The cricketer-turned-commentator also mentioned that Rawal might not get too many opportunities at No. 3, especially when Jemimah Rodrigues recovers from her injury. Chopra urged the 25-year-old to make the most of the chances she gets in the Asia Cup and the subsequent Asian Games.

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"It is not certain that she will always get to bat at number three, but whatever opportunities she gets, maybe throughout the Asia Cup or perhaps at the Asian Games, every time she goes out there, she wants to make an impression. And that is probably the best part of Pratika Rawal," Chopra said.

"Look, we have seen her in the World Cup, so we know how good she is. She is an intelligent girl and a good student of the game, as well as someone who understands its philosophy. But at the end of the day, when you go out there and make an effort, it shows, and that is what she is actually doing," Chopra said.