India spinner Shreyanka Patil has shared an emotional message after being ruled out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to an ankle injury.
The 22-year-old suffered the injury while fielding during India’s Group A match against Netherlands Women at Headingley, Leeds, on Wednesday, June 17. The injury happened in the fifth over of the Netherlands innings when Patil appeared to twist her ankle while trying to stop the ball. She immediately fell to the ground in pain and was unable to continue. After receiving treatment on the field, she was taken off on a stretcher, leaving the Indian camp concerned.
The injury brought an early end to her World Cup campaign, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) later confirming that India had named Prema Rawat as her replacement for the rest of the tournament.
The setback is especially painful for Patil, who had only recently returned to international cricket after recovering from a previous injury. She was part of India’s squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup and had been looking forward to playing a key role in the team’s campaign.
A day after the news was confirmed, Patil posted an emotional message on social media, sharing her disappointment and thanking fans for their support.
“Well, not every dream comes true.
No injury is easy but this one has hit the hardest. But in these last couple of days, I have been overwhelmed by the love I have received. I have seen so many messages, so many edits, reels and I truly appreciate them all. I know I have enough of you wishing well for me to get through this as well.
Not every dream comes true, but I’m not going to stop dreaming! And like I said last year, ‘heartbroken, but I will fly again.'”
Her message quickly received a huge response from fans, teammates and fellow cricketers, many of whom sent their best wishes and messages of support.
Patil’s disappointment is understandable as the World Cup was an important tournament for her. After working hard to return from an earlier injury, she had earned her place back in the Indian side and was hoping to help the team challenge for the title.
India have started their campaign strongly in the tournament. They began with a win over Pakistan before registering a convincing 95-run victory against the Netherlands. The two victories have placed Harmanpreet Kaur’s side in a strong position in Group A as they continue their push for a place in the semi-finals.
Against the Netherlands, Smriti Mandhana led the way with 74 runs from 47 balls, while Shafali Verma scored 55 as India posted 209/5 from their 20 overs.
The bowlers then completed the job by dismissing the Netherlands for 114 in 17.3 overs. Shree Charani took four wickets, while Shafali Verma picked up three wickets and Nandani Sharma claimed two.
However, the victory was overshadowed by the injury to Patil, who was unable to continue after suffering the ankle problem while fielding.
Despite the heartbreak of missing the rest of the tournament, Patil’s message showed her fighting spirit and determination. Her words reflected both the pain of losing a chance to represent India at a World Cup and the belief that she will come back stronger.
For now, Patil’s focus will be on recovery, while India continue their World Cup journey. Judging by her message, the young spinner remains determined to return to the field and chase her cricket dreams once again.
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