Rawal joins Warwickshire for One-Day Cup
Pratika Rawal, an India batter, has signed with Warwickshire Women for the remainder of the 2026 domestic season. She is set to bolster the county side’s batting lineup in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. Rawal will be available for selection starting from Warwickshire’s next One-Day Cup fixture on August 19.
The signing comes as the Bears continue their pursuit of a spot in the tournament’s eliminators. Warwickshire currently holds fifth place in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup standings. The team aims to secure a top-three finish to qualify for the knockout stage of the competition.
The club expressed that Rawal’s arrival is expected to provide additional firepower at the top of the batting order during the critical closing stages of the competition. Warwickshire Bears Women head coach Ali Maiden welcomed the signing, stating it is a fantastic addition to the team.
Warwickshire believes that bringing in a player of Rawal’s calibre will strengthen the squad as they look to conclude the season on a positive note. The club is currently in a good position in the One-Day Cup table, and her inclusion is seen as a move to enhance their prospects.
Return to competitive cricket
This move marks Rawal’s return to competitive cricket following a knee injury. The injury had previously ruled her out of India’s one-off Test against England at Lord’s. She sustained the injury during an India A match in Taunton on July 1, which required stitches.
Rawal had been named in India’s squad and was already in England, representing India A in a three-match one-day series against England A. She participated in the opening match but suffered the injury during the second game. As a result, she did not bat in the run chase and missed the final match of the series, ultimately being ruled out of the Lord’s Test. Priya Punia was subsequently named as her replacement.
Rawal shared her enthusiasm for joining Warwickshire, noting that she has heard many positive things about the club. She expressed excitement about getting started and contributing to the team’s efforts. She also highlighted her eagerness to experience county cricket and test herself by playing in England.
The India opener also mentioned her anticipation of playing at Edgbaston, which she described as an iconic ground in world cricket. Her next fixture with Warwickshire is scheduled for August 19 against Yorkshire.
Rawal’s international career
Rawal has established herself as one of India’s notable batting talents since her international debut in December 2024. She holds a record as the fastest woman to achieve 500 ODI runs, reaching this milestone in just eight innings.
The opener also played a significant role in India’s successful Women’s ODI World Cup campaign in 2025. During this tournament, she scored 308 runs, which included a century against New Zealand, contributing to her team lifting the title.
Her consistent performance at the international level has made her a valuable addition to the Warwickshire squad. The club anticipates that her experience and batting prowess will be crucial as they aim for a strong finish in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
Rawal’s availability for selection begins with Warwickshire’s fixture on August 19.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter