2024 was meant to be Shreyanka Patil’s year.
After a forgettable start to the WPL, Shreyanka scripted a remarkable comeback, won the Purple Cap, and looked destined for greater things. It felt like the world was finally opening up for her, like this was the year she would truly arrive.
But just when the sky seemed within reach, everything began to slip away. A fractured finger during the Asia Cup halted her momentum, and though she recovered in time to play the T20 World Cup, India’s campaign ended in heartbreak.
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What followed was even more heartbreaking for the all-rounder. Grade 3 shin splints in both legs forced her out of the game for months. Just when she had endured the grind of rehab and begun to believe the worst was behind her, the injury resurfaced, pushing her comeback further away and eventually ruling her out of WPL 2025.
For someone who had looked ready to conquer the stage, it was a devastating experience.
And yet, it is often in those darkest phases that athletes are truly forged. The hurt did not break her – it shaped her, leaving behind a cricketer who is not just gifted, but far stronger than before.
“In that one-year period, I learned a lot. There were disappointments and ups and downs, but what I gained as a person is greater maturity and an understanding of how to navigate difficult situations. Physically, I wasn’t very fit, and mentally I felt low, so I had to figure out how to come out of it on my own,” Shreyanka told India Today in an exclusive interview.
MEDITATION, VISUALISATION AND DISCOVERY
Shreyanka Patil suffered from multiple injuries in 2024. Courtesy: Shreyanka Instagram
Shreyanka had the support of her loved ones around her, but the hardest battles were the ones she had to fight within herself. Her comeback was not just about recovering from injury; it was a deeply personal journey of pain, patience, and self-discovery.
There were no ready-made answers, no quick fixes. Instead, she had to find her own way through the darkness, turning to visualisation, meditation, and learning how to stay calm while navigating the uncertainty of injuries.
“It wasn’t a clear-cut answer that I could get from someone else—it was a personal journey. I experimented with different approaches: visualisation, meeting new people, meditating, staying calm, and managing my injuries. Through trial and error, I discovered my own way forward. I learned a lot from my mistakes, both as an individual and as a cricketer,” Shreyanka said.
“Being injured and mentally down was challenging because I couldn’t do what I love most. During that year, I often asked myself, ‘What’s next? Will I be able to play again?’
“As a cricketer, once you know you’ve faced and overcome a difficult period, returning to the field makes you truly grateful,” Shreyanka added.
THE TOUGH COMEBACK
Shreyanka recently made her India comeback after 16 months. Courtesy: Getty Images
After an agonising 11-month injury layoff, Shreyanka finally found her way back in September 2025, turning out for Barbados Royals in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League. Soon after, she watched from afar as India lifted the Women’s World Cup.
She finally wore India colours again in February 2026, ending a painful 16-month wait. But the comeback was far from easy. After picking up 2 for 24 against the Governor General XI, she endured a difficult return at the Sydney Cricket Ground and was dropped for the second T20I in Canberra.
Just when doubts could have returned, Shreyanka found strength in coach Arjun Dev, whose guidance helped her stay afloat.
“Heading into Sydney for my comeback T20 against Australia, stepping onto the SCG was surreal. I had imagined it so many times, and being there was an incredible feeling. The first game didn’t go as planned—I got hit for 24 runs in 2 overs, and I felt confused and frustrated. On the bus to Canberra, I had a long conversation with Arjun, someone I trust deeply. I expressed what was working, what wasn’t, and even shed some tears. His advice really helped me regain perspective,” Shreyanka said.
“In Canberra, during practice, I felt comfortable and clear-minded again. I missed the second T20, which was disappointing, but I understood that cricket is full of ups and downs and so I focused on the third T20I,” Shreyanka added.
‘I AM BACK’
Shreyanka Patil bowled a match-winning spell vs Australia in Adelaide. Courtesy: Shreyanka Instagram
After a bruising start to the tour, fortune finally smiled on Shreyanka. In Adelaide, Shreyanka did not just return – she looked like herself again, sharper, bolder, and ready to own the moment. She drew strength from Rahul Dravid’s knock in the 2003 Test against Australia and from Virat Kohli’s many memorable ones at the same venue.
Then came the spell that changed everything. She removed Georgia Voll, produced an absolute beauty to clean up Ellyse Perry, and then outfoxed the dangerous Annabel Sutherland. Her figures of 4-0-22-3 became the heartbeat of India’s 17-run win in the decider, sealing a T20I series victory on Australian soil after 10 long years.
“Stepping onto the Adelaide Oval, I had a different mindset. I felt confident, inspired by the greats who had performed there before, and I wanted to do something special.
“I kept thinking about Rahul Dravid’s 233 and Virat Kohli as well – he has scored a lot of runs at that ground. I was talking to my friends and told them, ‘I think this is my game. I’m going to do something special at this ground’,” Shreyanka said.
“The crowd’s energy was amazing – fans asking for pictures, cheering — it gave me a huge boost. From the very first ball, I felt like, ‘I am back.’ Taking Perry’s wicket was a dream moment, something I had imagined for years.”
“I even remembered tweeting about her 300th game, and here I was, taking her wicket in her 350th. Later, dismissing Georgia and Sutherland during a crucial spell felt incredible,” Shreyanka added.
Shreyanka may not have won the Player of the Match award, but anyone who truly understands the game knows this: without Shreyanka’s spell, India might never have defended 176.
THE MEMORABLE SPELL
Shreyanka Patil took a 5-wicket haul in the WPL against Gujarat Giants. Courtesy: PTI
After her comeback, Shreyanka featured for Royals in the WCPL and for Karnataka in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, but somewhere, the old spark – that fierce, fearless Shreyanka – still seemed missing. The rhythm was there, the effort was there, but the fire had not fully returned.
Then came Navi Mumbai. On that night against Gujarat Giants, the real Shreyanka rose again, reminding everyone of the match-winner she can be. With a stunning five-wicket haul, she became only the third spinner after Asha Sobhana and Amelia Kerr to achieve the feat in the WPL.
“I think having a five-wicket haul in your bag is something you can really flaunt, it’s a special achievement. Getting a five-wicket haul requires strength and courage, and I managed to do it against the Giants,” Shreyanka said.
Shreyanka also reflected on dismissing the legendary Meg Lanning against UP Warriorz – a batter she has now gotten out three times in T20s. The only other batter Shreyanka has dismissed three times in T20 cricket is West Indies captain Hayley Matthews.
“Taking Meg Lanning’s wicket again was particularly satisfying. After my comeback in the WPL, this achievement feels incredibly special. I’m truly grateful – getting a five-wicket haul is something I had always dreamt of,” Shreyanka added.
NO BUTTERFLIES, BUT EYES ON THE PRIZE
Shreyanka Patil said she wants to win the T20 World Cup 2026. Courtesy: Getty Images
Last year, Shreyanka posted a picture visualising herself standing on the Lord’s balcony, lifting the Women’s T20 World Cup trophy. Now, with the World Cup final less than four months away, that dream feels closer than ever. But Shreyanka isn’t looking too far ahead. For now, her focus remains firmly on the South Africa tour, where India will play five T20Is.
“Right now, there are no butterflies, I’m just focused on improving. After winning the T20 series against Australia, our attention shifts to the five T20s against South Africa in South Africa. The goal is to win the series and build momentum leading up to the World Cup in England.
“I’m taking it one match at a time, preparing myself to make an impact for the Indian team. Maybe when the World Cup gets closer, I’ll start feeling those butterflies, but for now, it’s all about focus and performance,” Shreyanka said.
But the bigger dream still burns within Shreyanka. Watching five World Cup-winning teams, including the 2025 Women’s World Cup side, being felicitated at the BCCI’s Naman Awards only made that hunger stronger.
“I missed being there—dressing up, stepping onto the field, and collecting a trophy in front of so many talented cricketers. Being injured and missing out on the World Cup squad was tough, but I had to take it as motivation: to get better, work hard, and aim for the next squad to win another title for India. That’s my mindset, and I hope that next time we win the World Cup, I’ll be there to collect my medal too,” Shreyanka added.
THE UNKNOWN TERRITORY
Shreyanka Patil hasn’t played for India in South Africa. Courtesy: PTI
Shreyanka has limited experience of bowling outside the subcontinent. In fact, the Australia tour marked the first time she played a match for India beyond familiar conditions. South Africa will be another leap into the unknown, with conditions she has never experienced before.
But if there is one thing this journey has taught her, it is to trust herself. The young off-spinner remains confident in her skills and says she plans to approach the South Africa tour with the same belief and clarity that carried her through Australia.
“I trust my skills. I know I can turn the ball on any pitch and try to give those extra revs – that comes naturally to me. I applied this approach in Australia, and I’m preparing the same way for South Africa. I’ll focus on adapting to the conditions there, taking practice sessions, figuring out what bowling styles work best, and then executing them to perform well,” Shreyanka said.
Shreyanka can also draw confidence from history. India men’s spinners have found success in South Africa before – from Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh to Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. Their performances on South African soil are proof that skill, control and belief can still make spin a potent weapon, even in conditions that often favour pace.
NO OBSESSION OVER ODI COMEBACK
Shreyanka Patil made her international debut in 2023. Courtesy: PTI
While Shreyanka has made her name primarily as a T20 bowler, not many realise she has already had a taste of ODI cricket too. In just three appearances for India, she has removed some of the biggest names in the game, including Beth Mooney, Ash Gardner, and Marizanne Kapp. Yet, more than two years after her debut in 2023, a return to the ODI side has remained elusive.
But rather than obsess over that comeback, Shreyanka has chosen patience over frustration, focusing instead on consistency and doing everything she can to help her team win, trusting that the opportunities will come when the time is right.
“My focus is on doing the best I can for the team, whichever team I play for. Right now, it’s the T20 World Cup, so for every game I’m given, I want to make an impact and contribute to winning matches or titles. I’m not thinking too far ahead about being in the Test squad or the ODI squad—I just want to perform consistently, focus on winning each game, and let everything else fall into place naturally,” Shreyanka said.
THE NEW VENTURE
While Shreyanka is best known for her exploits on the field, she has recently stepped beyond cricket by venturing into business with the launch of her own perfume brand, 317. For someone who often draws inspiration from those around her, this time she chose to look inward.
The idea came from a striking coincidence – a number that kept appearing at defining moments in her journey. From her birthday to her WPL auction number in 2023, and even the date RCB lifted their maiden WPL title, 317 had quietly become part of her story.
“I’m super happy and proud that this is my first business. I’m excited to launch my perfume brand, 317, which has a very personal story for me. 317 represents so many meaningful things: my birthday is July 31, the first time we lifted the WPL trophy for RCB was on March 17, and my serial number in the first-ever auction was 317,” Shreyanka said.
“My family, my coach, and I kept noticing these coincidences, and we felt we had to do something special with this number.
“We decided on a perfume brand. I took it very personally—sitting with Arjun sir, my brother, and my family, testing fragrances and deciding what I truly liked. Eventually, we created a fragrance I genuinely love and believe others will too. I’m very grateful and proud to say that 317 is my brand,” Shreyanka added.
IS 2026 FINALLY SHREYANKA’S YEAR?
Shreyanka Patil will look to cement her place in India’s limited-overs teams. Courtesy: PTI
If 2025 tested Shreyanka in every possible way, 2026 has begun like a long-awaited smile after months of pain. She not only poured her heart out in Adelaide, but also lifted the WPL title with RCB, two moments that must have reminded her of who she truly is. That magical spell in Adelaide, in particular, would have done wonders for her confidence, reaffirming that the fire within her never really faded.
And yet, the year is still young. With the South Africa tour ahead and three T20Is in England lined up as part of India’s T20 World Cup build-up, there is so much still waiting for her. In 2024, Shreyanka had begun with the world at her feet before injuries cruelly pulled her back.
Now, 2026 has opened in similarly dazzling fashion. This time, though, she will hope the story ends differently with the unfinished business of 2024 finally completed, and with Shreyanka establishing herself not just as a comeback story, but as an indispensable member of India’s T20 team.
– Ends
Published By:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published On:
Mar 22, 2026 09:21 IST
