Shreyanka Patil on RCB retention: "No words can describe how I felt"

Less than a year ago, a shin injury kept Shreyanka Patil from joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their Women's Premier League title defense. After suffering the injury during the Women's T20 World Cup in October 2024, her recovery took far longer than anticipated.

"I thought it was just a one-off injury where I'd recover in maybe two, three months," Patil said. "But it almost took me 13 to 14 months to get back on the field. Unfortunately, the shin splints reoccurred and I had to go through the procedure all over again."

After missing the WPL, Patil also sat out the tri-series in Sri Lanka, the tour of England, and the home World Cup. "Missing the World Cup hurt a lot," she said. "As a cricketer, you always want to lift that trophy."

Her time rehabilitating at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence was challenging. "I wasn't talking to anyone at the start. I locked myself in a room for two or three months," she admitted. "But talking to people made me realise I wasn't alone."

A conversation with Jasprit Bumrah, who also spent time at the CoE, proved particularly valuable. "I had so many questions for him," Patil said. "He told me, 'This is okay, everyone goes through it. You're facing it at a young age, so don't fight it. Just be in it.'"

RCB's decision to retain her despite months of inactivity provided a significant boost. "No words can describe how I felt," she said. "Someone who hasn't played for 13 or 14 months, and they still trust you… it gives so much confidence. After the call, I rang my coach and just started crying. It was just so much love and belief."

Patil returned to action in the Women's Caribbean Premier League last September without injury setbacks. She is set to feature for RCB in their WPL opener against MI on January 9, aiming to leave her injury struggles behind.