They say the hardest seat in sport is the one on the sidelines—especially when your team is playing in a World Cup final. For young Indian cricketer Pratika Rawal, that seat was a wheelchair. Sidelined by a serious injury just before the climax of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Rawal couldn’t step onto the field in the historic final. Yet, her spirit never wavered. Watching from the stands, tears in her eyes and joy in her heart, she celebrated every boundary, every wicket, and ultimately, India’s long-awaited triumph .
Now, as she begins her rehabilitation journey, Rawal is turning pain into purpose—using her background in psychology to fuel her comeback and set her sights on the domestic circuit and the next season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Table of Contents
- The Heartbreak of Missing the Final
- Pratika Rawal, Women’s World Cup, and a Remarkable Prediction
- Coping Through Psychology: Turning Pain into Power
- Celebrating Victory from a Wheelchair
- The Road to Recovery and WPL Ambitions
- Why Her Story Matters for Women’s Cricket
- Conclusion: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
- Sources
The Heartbreak of Missing the Final
Pratika Rawal had trained for months, pushing her limits in camps and practice matches, dreaming of contributing to India’s World Cup campaign. But just before the knockout stage, a sudden injury—details of which remain private—forced her out of the squad.
“There was disappointment,” she admitted in a candid interview with the Times of India. “You prepare your whole life for a moment like that, and then it’s taken away in an instant.”
Missing not just any match—but the final—was a devastating blow. Yet, instead of retreating, Rawal chose to be present, supporting her teammates in every way she could.
Pratika Rawal, Women’s World Cup, and a Remarkable Prediction
Even from the sidelines, Rawal’s insight shone through. Before the tournament began, the psychology student made a bold prediction: that Shafali Verma would be India’s match-winner in the final. It wasn’t just a hopeful guess—it was a calculated observation based on Verma’s form, temperament, and past performances under pressure.
As fate would have it, Shafali delivered a match-defining innings in the final, proving Rawal’s foresight remarkably accurate. This blend of cricketing instinct and psychological understanding sets Rawal apart as more than just an athlete—she’s a thinker of the game.
Coping Through Psychology: Turning Pain into Power
Rawal’s academic background became her emotional anchor. Studying psychology hasn’t just been a side pursuit—it’s been a lifeline during recovery.
“Understanding the mind-body connection helped me accept the situation,” she shared. “Injury is physical, but the mental toll is heavier. I used cognitive reframing—seeing this not as an end, but as a pause.”
She applied techniques like mindfulness, goal-setting, and positive visualization—tools she now recommends to fellow athletes facing setbacks. Her experience underscores a growing trend in elite sport: the integration of mental health training alongside physical conditioning .
Celebrating Victory from a Wheelchair
When India lifted the trophy, Rawal was there—wearing her team jersey, seated in a wheelchair, clapping with tears streaming down her face. Photos of her celebrating went viral, not as a symbol of loss, but of unwavering loyalty and team spirit.
Her presence reminded everyone that victory belongs to the entire squad—not just those on the field. As captain Harmanpreet Kaur later said, “Every player who trained with us, who believed in this dream, is a champion.”
The Road to Recovery and WPL Ambitions
Rawal’s focus has now shifted to rehabilitation. She’s working with physiotherapists and strength coaches to regain full mobility and fitness. Her immediate goal? Return for the upcoming domestic season.
But her eyes are also firmly set on the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Having impressed in previous domestic tournaments, she’s determined to earn a spot in the 2026 auction. “The WPL is a game-changer for players like me,” she said. “It’s not just a league—it’s a launchpad.” [INTERNAL_LINK:wpl-2026-player-watchlist]
Her resilience has already drawn praise from selectors, and many believe her mental toughness gives her an edge in high-pressure environments.
Why Her Story Matters for Women’s Cricket
Pratika Rawal’s journey reflects the broader challenges and triumphs of women’s cricket in India:
- Limited medical support: Many domestic players lack access to top-tier injury rehab.
- Dual careers: Balancing academics or jobs with elite sport is common.
- Rising visibility: The WPL and World Cup success are creating new opportunities.
Her story is a call to invest more in athlete welfare, mental health resources, and career continuity for women cricketers—a message that resonates far beyond the boundary ropes.
Conclusion: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Pratika Rawal Women’s World Cup experience wasn’t the one she envisioned—but it may be the one that defines her legacy. In missing the final, she discovered a deeper strength. In watching from a wheelchair, she showed what true team spirit looks like. And in her quiet determination to return, she’s inspiring a new generation of cricketers to never let setbacks silence their dreams.