Shreyanka Patil, a rising star in Indian women’s cricket, has made it clear that she’s determined to improve her skills following her exclusion from the 2024 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Despite the setback, Patil has kept her spirits high, focusing on growth as an all-rounder.
“I am very happy for the six Indians who got selected and wish them good luck. I am a little disappointed, yes, but I know what areas I must work on. I must work on my batting, and I am going to be the best all-rounder,” Shreyanka stated confidently.
Patil’s last 12 months have been nothing short of spectacular. She became the first Indian to play in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) late last year, emerging as the top wicket-taker for Guyana Amazon Warriors. Her dominant performance continued into the Women’s Premier League (WPL) with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where she claimed the prestigious Purple Cap with 13 wickets in 8 matches. Yet, she didn’t make the cut for the WBBL, a decision that only seems to have fueled her drive.
In three ODIs and 12 T20Is for India, Patil has taken 21 wickets, including two standout three-wicket hauls. Known for her ability to bowl across different phases—especially at the death—her reputation as a reliable all-rounder has only grown since the WPL.
As Patil gears up for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, she remains focused on bouncing back stronger. She has been named in the squad, with her participation subject to fitness after a finger injury ruled her out of the Asia Cup.
“I am really looking forward to this World Cup, and it is going to be fun. I do not know about tricks, but hopefully, yes,” she said.
Patil’s performance in the WPL final, where she helped RCB claim victory against Delhi Capitals (DC), remains one of her most celebrated moments. Taking four wickets, including the prized wicket of Australian legend Meg Lanning, Patil showcased her talent on the big stage.
“Everyone would see that I got the Purple Cap, but for me, it was a roller-coaster of a ride. I could not perform at my best in the first half in Bangalore. I was a little disappointed that I let my Bangalore fans down,” she admitted.
However, things turned around after some guidance from her coach. “I went back, and Malo sir helped me with my bowling. Smriti [Mandhana] also backed me. I am grateful to Smriti and the whole management for supporting me at that time. I went back to practice and the second half turned out to be a good one for me,” she added.
One of the major highlights for Patil from her WPL experience was the overwhelming support from the crowds, particularly during the first leg of the tournament in Bengaluru.
“This year, when we faced that crowd in Bangalore, it was just massive,” Patil recalled. “When we get so much from the audience, like people watching us, we want to do more, we wanted to give our best. I mean we keep doing that, but when you see people turning out and saying ‘wow, they play so well,’ that’s again a plus point for all of us.”
Reflecting on her experience, she said, “I could not stop smiling and it was just so amazing about the crowds and chants. We went to the RCB Bar and Café where there was a packed crowd, and I really enjoyed the moments.”
With her sights set on becoming the best all-rounder and a pivotal member of India’s squad in the upcoming World Cup, Shreyanka Patil’s journey is far from over. Although she may have missed out on the WBBL, her resolve to improve and perform is stronger than ever.
Her story is a reminder that setbacks can often lead to even greater achievements, and for Shreyanka, the future is as bright as ever. In her first World Cup campaign, India is placed in Group A alongside Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and will play their opening match against New Zealand on 4th October.
(Quotes sourced from India Today)
