‘I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t depressed’: Shreyanka Patil makes emotional confession after India win over Pakistan

Shreyanka Patil (centre) after India’s win over Pakistan (Photo by @BCCIWomen on X) NEW DELHI: India got off to a dream start to their Women’s World T20 campaign with a 64-run win over Pakistan in Birmingham. After posting 170/6, the Women in Blue bowled out their opponents for 106, largely thanks to Deepti Sharma’s brilliant five-wicket haul. Smriti Mandhana’s 68 and Rich Ghosh’s late thunderbolt helped India recover from an early wobble, while the spin attack completely dominated the chase as Pakistan suffered a collapse after a promising start.Shreyanka Patil, who played a key role with the ball, said the team was pleased to have made a strong start to the tournament but was aware of the tougher tests ahead. “I have always enjoyed bowling in the powerplay, whether it was for my national team or for India. It’s amazing to bowl under pressure because I love doing it and it’s something I’ve done successfully in the past,” she told JioStar. Looking ahead, she added: “We know Australia and South Africa are top teams as well. It’s the World Cup and you never know, anything can happen.”The all-rounder also reflected on a tough spell away from the game due to injury, admitting she battled negative thoughts and even considered quitting cricket. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t depressed or thinking about giving up cricket. That’s how I felt initially in the injury phase,” she said.However, Patil revealed that her love for sports and support from her family helped her overcome the difficult phase. “No matter what, I love the sport. I’m just here because I love playing it,” she said.“I kept my head up, my dad kept talking to me and my family supported me the whole time. Now back on the field, Patil said, “I love being back on the field and I’m not going to let that feeling go.”