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India`s top-order batter Pratika Rawal has advocated for more Test matches for the Indian women`s team. The southpaw believes that the team will improve in the longest format of the game after playing more competitive Test matches.
Pratika Rawal, the Indian top-order batter, made her Test debut earlier this month in Australia. Rawal scored a valiant half-century, scoring 63 runs off 137 balls in the second innings, to help India avoid an innings defeat.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Sports Journalists Federation of India conference hosted by the Delhi Sports Journalists Association on Monday, the 25-year-old said Test cricket is the best format of the game
“Test cricket is the most beautiful format. Since childhood, my father and coach have told me that performing well in this format is very important. When you are groomed in that manner, it naturally becomes your favourite format,” Rawal told PTI.
Urging for more women`s Tests, Pratika said increasing the number of games would greatly benefit players. Rawal believes that the Indian women`s team will improve in the longest format of the game if they play Test cricket consistently.
“I have watched many videos of these great batters. The way they used to play in Test cricket has always inspired me. The more Test matches we play, the better it will be. The experience of playing Test cricket not only improves you as a cricketer but also helps you grow as an individual,” she added.
Pratika Rawal enjoyed her maiden Naman Awards experience
Pratika Rawal was a part of the ODI World Cup team before being ruled out of the tournament from the knockout stages due to an injury. The southpaw was part of the team felicitated during the BCCI Naman Awards 2026.
“It was my first award ceremony with the BCCI, and the entire evening was wonderful. Such recognition motivates players. The way the BCCI is honouring champions is a big step for Indian cricket. Various Indian teams won five global trophies last season, and that shows how well cricket is doing in the country,” Rawal said.
Pratika described the World Cup victory as the most memorable moment of her career and stated that the emotion hasn`t gone away.
“That feeling has not gone away yet, and I don`t think it should. It should remain memorable forever,” she said.
(With PTI Input)
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