Why Pratika Rawal Is Trending Today – Big Comeback, Big Talk

Pratika Rawal is trending on February 24, 2026, because she returned to international cricket in the first ODI against Australia at The Gabba. It was her first match after a serious ankle injury. But her comeback innings lasted only two balls, and that has everyone talking.

Return After Four Months Out

Pratika Rawal had been out of action since October 2025. She injured her ankle during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. The injury was serious enough to keep her away for four months.

She completed her rehab at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Fans waited. Team management waited. Today was the day.

Her name in the playing XI created buzz even before the toss.

Opening Spot Regained

Rawal walked out as India’s opening batter alongside Smriti Mandhana. That move changed the batting order.

Shafali Verma, who was in good form recently, was pushed down the order. It was a tactical call. The team trusted Rawal’s past record.

Many supported the decision. Some questioned it. That debate began even before the first ball.

The Two-Ball Duck That Shocked Fans

Expectations were high. Maybe too high.

Facing Megan Schutt at The Gabba is never easy. Rawal lasted just two deliveries. She was dismissed for a duck.

Cricket can be cruel like that. One moment you are returning as a hero. Next moment you are walking back quietly.

Social media reacted fast. Some fans defended her. Others felt pressure got to her.

But one innings does not define a career.

Her Strong ODI Record Before Injury

Before her injury, Pratika Rawal had built a strong ODI record. She scored 1,110 runs in just 24 matches. Her average stood at an impressive 50.45.

Those are not ordinary numbers. That is consistency.

She played a key role in India’s 2025 World Cup campaign. Her performances helped lift the trophy. That is not forgotten easily.

Recent Recognition and WPL News

In January 2026, the Delhi government awarded her ₹1.5 crore for her contribution to India’s World Cup win. That recognition made headlines too.

During the Women’s Premier League mega auction, UP Warriorz signed her for ₹50 lakh. However, she missed the start of WPL 2026 due to rehab.

So today’s ODI was more than just a match. It marked her full return to competitive cricket.

Earlier 2026 Controversy

Pratika Rawal also trended earlier this year for speaking out against misuse of AI-edited photos. She publicly asked platforms to block unauthorized image modifications.

Many supported her stand. It showed another side of her personality. Firm. Clear. Not afraid to speak.

What’s Next in the Series

This is only the first ODI of the series. India and Australia will meet again on February 27 and March 1. A one-off Test is scheduled for March 6.

Rawal will likely get more chances. A comeback rarely goes perfectly.

Cricket careers move in phases. Today was emotional. Maybe tough. But not final.

That is why Pratika Rawal is trending today. A big return. A small score. A lot of discussion.