When Pratika Rawal finally received her long-awaited World Cup medal, it wasn’t just another ceremony , it was redemption. The image of her smiling beside Prime Minister Narendra Modi went viral, and millions across India felt that justice had finally been served.
For months, the talented Indian batter once ruled out due to injury had been at the center of a heated debate about fairness and recognition in international cricket. Today, her medal represents more than personal glory; it symbolizes how perseverance and unity can triumph even beyond the boundary ropes.
Who Is Pratika Rawal?
Pratika Rawal’s rise in Indian women’s cricket has been nothing short of phenomenal. Born and raised with a cricket bat in hand, she made her mark in domestic tournaments before earning a place in India’s 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup squad. Her calm temperament, sharp technique, and fearless batting made her one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
Her journey, however, mirrors the same resilience that every player at the top must have — a blend of talent, discipline, and unshakable belief.
India’s World Cup Triumph – The Bigger Picture
The 2025 Women’s World Cup was a defining moment for Indian cricket. The team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, showcased exceptional composure and chemistry — reminding fans that teamwork and trust are the foundation of championship success.
As Pratika once said in an ANI interview, “When a family plays together, it becomes difficult to beat that team.” That family spirit made India unstoppable and united fans from every corner of the country.
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Pratika’s World Cup Heroics
Before injury struck, Pratika Rawal was one of India’s most reliable performers in the group stage. She scored 308 runs in six innings, averaging over 50 — a feat that placed her second among Indian run-scorers.
Her 91-run knock against England became the turning point of India’s campaign, setting the tone for a confident run toward the semifinals. With an elegant stroke play and maturity beyond her years, she quickly became a fan favorite.
The Injury That Changed Everything
Cricket can be cruel. During a group match against Bangladesh, Rawal injured her ankle while diving to save a single. Despite treatment, doctors ruled her out for the remainder of the tournament.
It was a devastating moment. Her teammates rallied around her, but she knew her dream of playing the final had slipped away. Yet, she stayed with the squad — supporting from the dugout, motivating bowlers, analyzing opponents — embodying true sportsmanship.
The Medal Controversy Explained
When India lifted the trophy, fans noticed something heartbreaking — Pratika Rawal did not receive a winner’s medal. According to ICC’s regulation, only players in the final 15-member squad who took part in knockout matches were eligible.
This rule overlooked players like Pratika who had been instrumental earlier but sidelined later due to injury. The decision ignited a massive public debate about fairness and recognition.
Even online communities, from cricket forums to sports-centric spaces like Jeta33 blog, joined the conversation — questioning why early contributors were left out of the celebration.
Public Reaction and Fan Uproar
The cricketing world rallied behind her. Hashtags like #JusticeForPratika trended for days, with players, journalists, and fans demanding the ICC reconsider its outdated policy.
Social media exploded with messages such as:
“She helped us reach the finals. A medal is the least she deserves.”
Sports commentators compared her situation to athletes in other sports who were recognized post-injury for their early contributions.
Amanjot Kaur’s Heartwarming Gesture
The turning point came during the post-World Cup celebration photoshoot with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Team India all lined up proudly with their medals — and in that moment, Amanjot Kaur took off her own medal and placed it around Pratika’s neck.
That image, powerful and raw, broke the internet. It symbolized what sports truly stand for — compassion, unity, and mutual respect. The gesture melted hearts, and soon, ICC took notice.
ICC’s Rule Flex and Final Decision
After days of deliberation, the ICC made an exception. It acknowledged Pratika Rawal’s contribution and officially awarded her a World Cup medal.
The announcement came with a statement recognizing that “players who significantly contributed to a team’s success, even if sidelined due to injury, deserve acknowledgment.”
The decision marked an important precedent, showing that empathy can coexist with rules.
The Medal Ceremony with PM Modi
On November 5, 2025, Pratika Rawal finally received her medal in an emotional ceremony in New Delhi. Dressed in the team’s blue blazer, she stood tall alongside her teammates as Prime Minister Modi handed her the medal she had long earned.
Tears rolled down her cheeks as applause filled the hall. That photograph — the smile, the medal, and the tears — will remain a defining image of Indian cricket’s new era.
The Wheelchair Celebration That Won Millions
Despite her injury, Pratika celebrated India’s victory from a wheelchair on the field. She waved the Indian flag with both hands, smiling as teammates surrounded her.
The image resonated globally, representing perseverance and inclusion. It reminded fans that cricket is more than numbers — it’s emotion, community, and unbreakable spirit.
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Voices from the Dressing Room
Pratika’s teammates were vocal about her importance. Harmanpreet Kaur called her “the unsung hero who set the tone for our championship run.” Jemimah Rodrigues added, “Her calmness under pressure guided our younger players.”
Such statements underline that her value wasn’t just statistical — it was emotional and strategic.
BCCI’s Role in Supporting the Decision
Behind the scenes, the BCCI played a critical role. Officials communicated with ICC to revisit the medal eligibility policy, presenting statistical evidence of Pratika’s match-winning impact.
Their advocacy showcased the growing influence of Indian women’s cricket administration on global platforms — something worth noting for future tournaments.
Lessons from the Medal Controversy
Pratika Rawal’s story is a reminder that success isn’t confined to the final moment. It also belongs to the players who fight, sacrifice, and lay the foundation for victory.
It raises an ethical question: Shouldn’t every player who contributes to the campaign be recognized equally, regardless of injury or substitution?
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Her Recovery Journey and Mental Strength
After months of rehab, Pratika returned to light training in Mumbai. Her mental recovery, she says, was tougher than the physical pain. She found strength through fan messages and her family’s encouragement.
Her resilience makes her a role model for every athlete who has faced setbacks.
The Community Celebration
Back home, her community celebrated the medal news like a festival. Children wore cricket jerseys with her name printed, and local schools held events to honor her contribution.
She became a beacon of hope for young girls dreaming of representing India, proving that hard work and patience eventually get noticed.
Broader Impact on Women’s Cricket
Pratika Rawal’s recognition goes beyond personal victory — it has elevated discussions about gender equality, player welfare, and representation in Indian cricket.
Her case has already prompted conversations about revising medal distribution rules in future tournaments, setting a fair precedent for injured players.
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Similar Stories in Sports History
Her journey mirrors other instances where athletes missed out due to technicalities:
| Athlete | Event | Outcome | Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Gillespie | 2003 Cricket WC | Injured before final | Later recognized by team |
| Dutee Chand | 2018 Asiad | Policy-based exclusion | Led to inclusive rule reforms |
| Anju Bobby George | Athletics | Medal delay after doping review | Persistence pays off |
These comparisons emphasize how one story can change the system for many.
The Power of Team Unity
Pratika’s story wouldn’t have had a happy ending without the empathy of her teammates. From Amanjot’s symbolic gesture to Harmanpreet’s leadership, it was collective unity that made the change possible.
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What’s Next for Pratika Rawal
Now fully recovered, Pratika is eyeing a return for India’s next bilateral series. She also hinted at mentoring roles for upcoming players and participating in domestic leagues.
Given her strong performance and newfound recognition, sponsorship opportunities and leadership roles seem inevitable.
Redefining Success in Sports
Pratika Rawal’s World Cup medal is more than metal — it’s a symbol of fairness, resilience, and evolution. Her recognition reflects a broader shift in global sports culture where contribution is valued over appearance in the final moment.
Just as in cricket, success in life comes not only from winning but also from standing tall after being overlooked.
The Medal That Meant More Than Gold
In the end, Pratika Rawal’s World Cup Medal became a victory for everyone who believes in justice, teamwork, and integrity.
Her smile, her tears, and that shining medal tell the story of a player who gave her all and was finally seen for it. She’s not just a champion — she’s an inspiration for generations to come.
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✅ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the father of Pratika Rawal?
Her father is Pradeep Rawal, a BCCI Level-II umpire.
2. What kind of injury did Pratika Rawal sustain to her knee and ankle?
She sustained a knee and ankle injury (twisted ankle & hurt knee) while fielding in a rain-affected match vs Bangladesh.
3. Will Pratika Rawal be selected to play in the Women’s Cricket World Cup semifinal?
No , she was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament (including the semifinal) and replaced by Shafali Verma
4. How do you rate Afy Fletcher’s bowling performance against India’s debutant Pratika Rawal in the India vs West Indies Women’s ODI?
Fletcher bowled in the match, but Rawal as debutant scored 40 and formed a 110-run stand with Mandhana, so Fletcher’s impact on Rawal was limited , Rawal handled the situation well.
5. What are some examples of impressive knocks by Pratika Rawal in domestic cricket?
Examples include a 161* off 155 balls for Delhi in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, and later two centuries in the 2023-24 season including a high score of 141 with average 68.50
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🏁 Final Takeaway
Pratika Rawal’s World Cup Medal story is a testament that true champions are remembered not just for playing the final match but for shaping the journey toward it.
Her legacy now stands beside the greatest — not for her runs alone, but for her resilience. In cricket and in life, that’s the medal that truly matters.
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