How being a psychology student helped Pratika Rawal ace international cricket-OxBig News Network

Young India batter Pratrika Rawal recently revealed how being a psychology student has helped her immensely in her international career so far. Rawal made her debut in the series against West Indies and played a brilliant knock of 40 (69) in her first outing.

She further put her all-round skills on display in the second ODI scoring 76 (86) and also picked 2/37 in five overs. Recently, in a video shared by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) Rawal revealed how studying the human brain always intrigued her and the role it played in shaping her cricketing career.

“I wanted to study about that (human mind) and when I started studying about it, I was very keen on understanding how we mentally process (things) on the field and off the field. And, it has helped me a lot in cricket as well,” said Rawal in a video shared by BCCI on ‘X’.

Further speaking ahead, the 24-year-old revealed how talking positively ahead of a game helps her perform better.

“When I’m on the field before a match there is a lot of positive self-talk, what all I have to do in present and in future. Like, when I’m batting then also I see myself ‘you know you are the best, you can do this’. So, that affirmation needs to be there,” she added.

Rawal finished her debut series with 134 runs from three innings at an average of 44.66 with one half-century along with two wickets. Following her impressive debut, she further earned a place in the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Ireland.

The young opener will be eager to continue her marvellous form in the coming three games set to begin from January 10 and seal the opening slot in the team with the ODI World Cup 2025 scheduled later this year.