Who Is Prema Rawat? India's Surprise T20 World Cup 2026 Pick Who Quit Hockey for Cricket

India's unbeaten campaign at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 has suffered a setback with off-spinner Shreyanka Patil ruled out of the tournament due to a right ankle injury. The injury occurred during India's Group A match against the Netherlands when Shreyanka Patil twisted her ankle while chasing a ball towards mid-on. Following her withdrawal, uncapped leg-spinner Prema Rawat has been named as her replacement in the Indian squad for the remainder of the competition.

Shreyanka's absence has opened the door for her Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate, Prema Rawat, to earn a maiden call-up to the senior national side. The 24-year-old leg-spinner has impressed selectors with her consistent performances for India A, RCB, and Uttarakhand. Although she is yet to make her international debut, Rawat arrives with a strong reputation as one of the country's most promising young spin bowlers.

What makes Prema's journey even more inspiring is that cricket was not her first sporting dream. At a crucial stage in her life, she had to choose between hockey and cricket. Rawat eventually decided to focus entirely on cricket, a decision that has now brought her to the doorstep of the biggest stage in women's cricket. Hailing from Uttarakhand, she developed into a complete cricketer known for her leg-spin, sharp fielding, and ability to contribute valuable runs lower down the order.

From giving up hockey to earning a surprise India call-up for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026, Prema Rawat's rise has been built on hard work and consistent performances. In this article, we take a closer look at her journey, career achievements, and how she became India's latest World Cup selection after replacing the injured Shreyanka Patil.

From Hockey fields in Uttarakhand to RCB's WPL title run

Prema Rawat's journey to the Indian team is a story of determination and smart choices. Born on November 12, 2001, the Uttarakhand cricketer was initially a promising hockey player and represented her state at a young age. However, despite her talent in hockey, Rawat decided to switch her focus to cricket and pursue a professional career in the sport.

Hailing from a remote village in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar district, Rawat's decision was influenced by the lack of proper hockey facilities and career opportunities in her region. With the support of her family, she chose cricket, a sport she had grown up playing and following alongside her brother. The move proved to be a turning point in her sporting career.

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Rawat's breakthrough season came in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy 2025, where she emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker. She claimed 16 wickets in 10 matches at an impressive economy rate of 5.55, catching the attention of Women's Premier League franchises. Her performances earned her a WPL contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who signed her for INR 1.2 crore after a competitive bidding battle. She later remained with the franchise and was part of RCB's successful title-winning campaign.

The leg-spinner continued her rise through the ranks with several strong performances for India A. She picked up eight wickets in five matches during India's victorious Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars campaign and finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker on India A's tour of Australia with seven wickets in three T20 matches. Those performances have now earned her a place in India's Women's T20 World Cup 2026 squad, giving her the opportunity to showcase her talent on the biggest stage of her career.

The ₹1.2 crore auction bid that changed her career

A major turning point in Prema Rawat’s career came at the Women’s Premier League 2025 auction, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured her services for ₹1.2 crore. The big bid marked a breakthrough moment and confirmed her rise in domestic cricket. She played three matches in that season and picked up one wicket, gaining valuable experience at the top level.

At RCB, Rawat also shared a dressing room with senior players like Shreyanka Patil. While Shreyanka remained a key spinner for the franchise, Rawat continued to develop in the background, waiting for her opportunity. That patience has now paid off, as she has been drafted into India’s Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad as Shreyanka’s replacement.

Prema Rawat – WPL bowling stats (RCB)

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Prema Rawat – Recent India A matches (WT20)

Rawat’s recent performances for India A have been consistent, with key wickets against strong opposition. Combined with her WPL exposure and domestic success for Uttarakhand, she has earned a well-deserved place in India’s World Cup squad by the BCCI. Now, she will look to convert this opportunity on the global stage.

What Prema Rawat brings to India's spin attack at the T20 World Cup

India’s Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign is entering a crucial stage, with the Women in Blue set to face South Africa in their third group match on Sunday. The fixture carries significant importance as India are placed in Group A alongside strong teams like Australia and South Africa, making every match vital for their progression in the tournament.

Prema Rawat has already shown strong potential through her performances for India A, especially during the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026. She featured in all five matches of the tournament and picked up eight wickets while maintaining a solid impact with the ball. Her standout performance came in the final, where she took a match-winning three-wicket haul while defending a low total of 134, conceding just 12 runs in her four-over spell. These performances highlight her ability to handle pressure situations and deliver in key moments.

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Her consistent performances have strengthened her case as a like-for-like replacement for Shreyanka Patil in India’s spin attack. Rawat was also part of the India A setup in England, where she continued to gain valuable experience in international conditions. With her control, wicket-taking ability, and composure under pressure, she adds depth to India’s spin department.

Overall, Prema Rawat brings balance and variety to India’s bowling unit at a crucial stage of the tournament. While still uncapped at the senior level, her recent form suggests she can step up when required. If given the opportunity, she could play an important role in India’s remaining matches at the T20 World Cup.