New Delhi: The Indian women’s cricket team created history by defeating South Africa in the Women’s World Cup final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Under Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy, the team delivered a stellar performance, further cementing its reputation and prestige in women’s cricket. This victory filled the entire nation with pride, but Pratika Rawal, who played a key role in this historic success, was denied a medal, which became a topic of discussion.
Pratika Rawal’s impressive performance
Pratika Rawal finished the tournament as the team’s second-highest run-scorer, behind Smriti Mandhana. She scored 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33, including a century against New Zealand in the quarterfinals. Despite her contributions, an injury prevented her from playing in the final. This injury prevented her from winning a medal, while her teammates celebrated their victory.
that after Rawal was injured against Bangladesh, Shefali Verma, who was named Player of the Match in the final, was included in the team. According to ICC rules, medals are only awarded to the winning team’s 15-member squad. Therefore, Pratika Rawal was unable to receive a medal, but she participated in the team’s celebrations from a wheelchair and celebrated with the team.
Comparisons with Jason Gillespie
Pratika Raval’s story is similar to that of Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie in the 2003 Men’s World Cup. Gillespie played four matches and took eight wickets, but was ruled out of the tournament due to injury and missed out on a winner’s medal. He wrote in his autobiography that he regretted not celebrating the final with his teammates.
A source of inspiration for young players
Pratika Rawal’s story shows that injuries and regulations sometimes fail to fully recognize a player’s hard work and contribution. Despite this, her passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to the team proved crucial to the team’s victory and became a source of inspiration for young players. Her untold story has emerged as a symbol of struggle, dedication, and courage in women’s cricket.
