‘Don’t know why people are talking about Pratika’s strike rate’

Meanwhile, Muzumdar brushed aside the criticism around Pratika Rawal’s strike-rate ahead of the clash against New Zealand. The Indian opener has been the second-highest run-getter for India in the World Cup so far, scoring 186 runs in five matches at an average of 37.20 and strike rate of 70.99. The Delhi batter has been consistent since her debut in December at Vadodara against West Indies in Dec last year, but is a bit sedate with her approach, especially in the powerplay overs, leaving India’s talismanic batter Smriti Mandhana the task of boundary-hitting.”I mean, if you look at Pratika Rawal’s progression from last December when she made her debut in international cricket, she averages around 50 and her strike rate is around 82, 83, if I’m not wrong. I think that’s fantastic and we would like her to continue the way she bats and the entire team is behind her and Harleen as well. And, you know, I don’t think any discussion has happened over on that particular subject,” said Muzumdar.

The coach also said he was unsure about why the topic of strike-rate came up regarding Pratika as she has made a fine start to life in International cricket. In 22 WODIs, the 25-year-old has scored 988 runs at an average of 47.04, with one hundred and seven fifties, at a strike rate of 81.92.”I don’t know why this is coming up. She’s been fantastic with the group. She’s taken to international cricket as fish to water, so we back her wholeheartedly,” said Muzumdar.