Indian opener Pratika Rawal, sidelined by injury during the knockout stages of the Women's T20 World Cup 2025, revealed that her background in psychology gave her a strong premonition that replacement Shafali Verma would deliver something extraordinary in the final against a formidable opponent. Speaking to the Press Trust of India on November 7, 2025, Rawal explained how her studies in human behaviour sharpened her intuition, correctly predicting Shafali's match-winning performance despite the personal disappointment of missing the tournament's climax. The 20-year-old Rawal had suffered an ankle and knee injury during India's final group league match against Bangladesh, forcing her withdrawal and paving the way for Shafali's inclusion in the squad for the semifinals and final.
Rawal's journey to the World Cup had been a breakthrough, earning her maiden international call-up after consistent domestic performances, including a notable century in the Women's Challenger Trophy. As a student of psychology alongside her cricketing pursuits, she credited her academic insights for sensing Shafali's potential impact, stating that gut feelings often stem from subconscious observations of form and mindset. Shafali, a seasoned campaigner known for her aggressive batting, justified the faith by exploding in the title clash, blasting a quickfire fifty that shifted momentum decisively in India's favour and sealed a comprehensive victory. Rawal, watching from the sidelines, expressed mixed emotions—heartbreak over her own absence but immense pride in her teammate's heroics.
The injury occurred at a cruel juncture, robbing Rawal of participating in the two biggest games of her fledgling career, yet she harboured no resentment toward the team management's decision to bring in the experienced Shafali. Medical assessments confirmed the severity, ruling her out entirely for the knockouts, a setback that tested her resilience as an emerging talent in India's crowded batting lineup. Rawal's positive outlook highlighted the depth in Indian women's cricket, where opportunities arise amid adversity, and she vowed to use the experience as motivation for future selections.
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Ultimately, India's triumphant campaign culminated in a long-awaited World Cup title, with Shafali's explosive innings in the final—reminiscent of her underage exploits—proving pivotal. Rawal's prophetic intuition not only underscored the mental fortitude required in elite sport but also celebrated the team's collective spirit. As the squad returned home to heroes' welcomes, Rawal's story added a layer of inspiration, reminding fans that psychology and cricket intersect in profound ways, turning potential despair into shared glory.
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