India were expected to beat the Netherlands comfortably and they did so by 95 runs. The victory made it two wins in two for the Women in Blue and provided a significant boost to their net run rate (NRR). However, all of that was overshadowed by an unfortunate incident at Headingley in Leeds.
It was the sixth over of the Netherlands’ chase when India captain Harmanpreet Kaur handed the ball to off-spinner Shreyanka Patil. On the very first delivery of the over, Netherlands batter Phebe Molkenboer nudged the ball towards the leg side and Shreyanka sprinted after it to prevent a single.
However, as she collected the ball and attempted to turn quickly for a throw, she appeared to twist her right ankle and immediately collapsed to the ground. She was in visible discomfort and was unable to put any weight on the injured foot. India’s physio rushed onto the field but the spinner eventually had to be taken off on a stretcher before being transported in a medical cart.
The injury could prove to be a significant setback for India as the tournament progresses. How serious is it? How long will recovery take? Those questions remain unanswered. According to sources close to RevSportz, Shreyanka was taken to hospital for scans, with further treatment decisions to be made once the results are known. What happened to her was particularly unfortunate given the form she has shown since returning to international cricket. She has been one of India’s most reliable wicket-taking options, especially through the middle and death overs.
With crucial matches against South Africa and Australia approaching, her participation now appears uncertain. Having missed India’s triumphant ODI World Cup campaign on home soil in 2025, this tournament represented an opportunity to perform on the biggest stage and help India chase a maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title. That dream may now be under threat.
Injuries have been a recurring challenge throughout the 23-year-old all-rounder’s career. After featuring in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, she suffered a finger fracture in her left hand, followed by shin splints in both legs. Matters worsened when she sustained a stress reaction in her wrist. Despite her efforts to regain full fitness ahead of the 2025 ODI World Cup, she was unable to recover in time.
Shreyanka finally returned to competitive cricket in September 2025 with Barbados Royals in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League before representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League. Since then, she has re-established herself as an important member of the Indian side.
In eight T20I innings this year, Shreyanka has claimed nine wickets. Whether in Australia, South Africa or England, she has consistently delivered disciplined spells. Her adaptability and willingness to bowl at any stage of an innings have become key assets for the team.
That is why this latest injury feels particularly cruel. Having earned her place in the World Cup squad through strong and consistent performances, she now faces the prospect of missing the remainder of the tournament.
Beyond the immediate concern of the injury itself, the bigger question is how she will cope mentally if another lengthy rehabilitation lies ahead.
After spending around 14-15 months on the sidelines, Shreyanka recently spoke about the emotional toll of her previous injury struggles. Speaking on JioStar, she said: “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t depressed or that I didn’t think about giving up cricket. That’s how I felt initially during the injury phase.”
Just when she had finally fought her way back and begun contributing consistently once again, another injury struck at the worst possible moment. It is a cruel twist for a player who had worked so hard to return.
India have alternatives. They could turn to Radha Yadav or even consider bringing in Sneh Rana as a replacement if required. Those discussions will come later. For now, the focus remains on Shreyanka. Watching her leave the field in obvious pain was difficult, and Indian fans will be hoping the scans deliver positive news and that she is back on the field sooner rather than later.
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