Pratika Rawal urges more Women's Tests after Australia debut

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India batter Pratika Rawal has called for more women’s Test cricket after a strong debut in Australia. Pratika said the longer format stays the toughest test of skill and temperament.

Pratika added that regular women’s Tests would help players improve faster. Pratika spoke on Monday (March 16) during the Sports Journalists Federation of India conference hosted by the Delhi Sports Journalists Association.

Pratika helped India avoid an innings defeat in the one-off day-night Test in Australia. Pratika made 63 from 137 balls in the second innings. The half-century came in Pratika’s first Test match. Pratika said the match showed how much patience and planning the format demands from batters.

Women’s Test cricket: Pratika Rawal backs more matches

Pratika described the format as central to Pratika’s cricket education since childhood. "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,\" Pratika said.

Pratika said watching past greats helped Pratika prepare for the demands of women’s Test cricket. Pratika named Viv Richards, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting as key influences. \"I have watched many videos of these great batters. The way they used to play in Test cricket has always inspired me,\" Pratika said.

Pratika argued that a larger women’s Test cricket calendar would help players on and off the field. Pratika said repeated exposure builds both technique and decision-making under pressure. "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," Pratika said.

Women’s Test cricket recognition: SJFI event honours Pratika Rawal

At the closing ceremony of the four-day golden jubilee national convention of the SJFI at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Pratika received a cash award. Rohan Jaitley, president of the Delhi and District Cricket Association, presented Rs 51 lakh. Uddhav Mohan, part of India’s Under-19 men’s World Cup-winning team, received Rs 11 lakh.

Pratika said awards of this kind encouraged better performances and valued domestic work. "Im extremely happy. It is wonderful when players receive recognition from time to time. I have played a lot of cricket in Delhi and to come here and receive an award from Rohan Sir is a proud moment for me," Pratika said.

Women’s Test cricket context: Pratika Rawal’s ODI record and BCCI Naman Awards 2026

Pratika’s recent season followed strong ODI numbers and a World Cup setback due to injury. Before being ruled out of last year’s Women’s World Cup, Pratika scored 308 runs in six innings from seven matches. The tally included a century. Pratika finished fourth among the tournament’s leading run-scorers.

Pratika has scored 1,189 runs in 27 ODIs with two centuries and eight half-centuries. Pratika also recalled the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 held in New Delhi on Sunday. The event honoured top performers and India’s five ICC World Cup-winning teams.

"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," Pratika said.

Pratika said a World Cup win remained the standout memory of Pratika’s career. Pratika added that the emotion continued long after the final. "That feeling has not gone away yet and I dont think it should. It should remain memorable forever," Pratika said.

India’s women’s team has major events this year, including the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the Asian Games in the T20 format. Pratika is still awaiting a T20I debut. Pratika said the approach stayed simple and match-focused.

"My aim is to perform well for the country and contribute to the team. I like to focus on one match at a time and I dont think too much about the future," Pratika said.