India’s Women’s T20 World Cup campaign could hardly have started better. Two matches, two victories and a massive boost to their net run rate. India’s 95-run win over the Netherlands at Headingley Tuesday took a backseat to Shreyanka Patil’s injury as she was carried off.
The injury occurred on the very first ball of her spell. Chasing down a gentle push towards the leg side from Netherlands batter Phebe Molkenboer, Shreyanka moved across from mid-on before losing her footing while attempting to turn and throw the ball back. The off-spinner immediately went down clutching her right ankle and was visibly in pain.
Alarm bells rang next. India’s medics rushed in, yet Shreyanka couldn’t stand on the injured leg at all. She had to be stretchered off and ferried away in a medical cart for scans.
Cruel timing for Shreyanka Patil
The concern is understandable because Shreyanka has become one of India’s most dependable T20 bowlers over the last year. Even against Pakistan, she bowled really but only if players took their catches off her bowling. Whether it is controlling the middle overs or striking when partnerships need to be broken, she has consistently delivered for Harmanpreet Kaur’s side.
Speaking after the match, Player of the Match Shafali Verma confirmed that the spinner had been sent for scans. “She has gone for a scan. Our BCCI doctors are taking care of her,” Shafali said.
With major Group A clashes against South Africa and Australia around the corner, India will be desperately hoping for positive news. But considering how vicious the injury looked, things might be bleak.
Another injury battle for Shreyanka
What hurts most is where Shreyanka was just getting to. At 22, she’d finally fought her way back after 14 brutal months on the sidelines. It started with a fractured finger against Pakistan in July 2024, then shin problems in both legs, then a broken left thumb.
Injury after injury, comeback after setback. Missing the Women’s ODI World Cup at home last year was already a gut punch. This T20 World Cup was meant to be her redemption. But now, she has to suffer from another freak injury.
