Shreyanka Patil was carried off the ground after suffering nasty injury [Source: AFP]India’s Women’s T20 World Cup campaign suffered a devastating blow on Wednesday when off-spinner Shreyanka Patil was stretchered off the field with a serious ankle injury. The 23-year-old twisted her right ankle awkwardly while fielding against the Netherlands at Headingley, Leeds, leaving the team management and players anxiously awaiting scan results. Just months after overcoming a 14-month injury nightmare and depression to earn her World Cup spot, Patil now faces fresh heartbreak. Shreyanka Patil’s Dream Journey To The World CupPatil’s path to the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was nothing short of a battle. In July 2024, she fractured her finger during an Asia Cup clash against Pakistan, an injury that triggered a cascade of setbacks. Severe Grade 3 shin splints in both legs, a wrist injury, and a left thumb fracture kept her away from cricket for nearly 14–16 months. She missed the entire 2025 Women’s Premier League season and the home ODI World Cup, sinking into a deep depression. Also Read- Nat Sciver-Brunt Officially Ruled Out Of England's T20 World Cup MatchesShreyanka Patil's comeback story began in WPL 2026, where she took 11 wickets in 9 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, including a stunning 5/23 spell.That form earned her a ticket to the World Cup squad announced in May 2026. In the warm-ups, she was in top gear, grabbing 4/36 against the West Indies and 2/29 against England. She then bowled a tight 0/17 against Pakistan in the tournament opener and took a breathtaking catch, but all of these now seems to be at the far abyss.How Shreyanka Patil Suffered the Nasty Injury?The freak incident occurred during India’s bowling innings against the Netherlands. In the sixth over, Patil bowled a flighted delivery to Phebe Molkenboer, who nudged the ball towards mid-wicket. Patil sprinted across from her follow-through to cut it off, but as she bent low to collect, her right foot landed awkwardly on the ball. She twisted her ankle violently and collapsed in pain.Teammates rushed to her side while the physio sprinted onto the field. Patil was in severe pain and could not put any weight on the leg. Also Read- Smriti Mandhana Breaks Mithali Raj's Record With Another T20 World Cup MasterclassAfter several minutes of on-field assessment, she was helped onto a stretcher and taken off the ground in a medical buggy, covering her face in disappointment. Shafali Verma completed the remainder of her over."Shreyanka Patil picked up an injury while attempting to field the ball and was stretchered off the field. We wish her a speedy recovery as we wait for further updates," the BCCI stated in an official update. BCCI Women @BCCIWomen 🚨 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 Shreyanka Patil picked up an injury while attempting to field the ball and was stretchered off the field. We wish her a speedy recovery as we wait for further updates. Jun 17, 2026, 9:40 PM The exact extent of the damage will only be known after scans, but early signs are alarming. Ankle injuries of this nature often require weeks of recovery, and with the World Cup’s group stage compressed into a tight schedule, Patil’s immediate participation looks highly unlikely. India’s remaining group matches are only one week apart, and the team cannot afford to carry an injured player hoping for a late recovery.Replacement Options of Shreyanka Patil for IndiaIndia does have ready-made alternatives within the squad and among the travelling reserves. Tanuja Kanwar, a left-arm spinner, is the most direct like-for-like replacement. She previously stood in for Patil during the Asia Cup and is already with the team as a travelling reserve. For batting depth, Bharti Fulmali is in the team. The hard-hitting middle-order batter earned a T20I recall after an explosive WPL season and provides cover in case the team wants to shuffle the combination. Another option is Saima Thakor, a pace-bowling all-rounder who offers utility with both bat and ball and is also travelling with the squad.Follow IND-W vs NED-W Live Updates For Each And Every Detail Of The High-Octane Clash
