All-rounder Shreyanka Patil suffered an ankle injury in a bizarre on-field incident at Headingley, Leeds, on Wednesday during India’s Women’s T20 World Cup match against the Netherlands.
The incident happened on the first ball of the Dutch innings’ sixth over. Shreyanka bowled around the wicket, and Phebe Molkenboer nudged the ball into the leg side after it floated on middle stump. Shreyanka ran over to stop any more runs after the midwicket fielder made a half-stop, but she landed awkwardly while trying to collect the ball.
As worried teammates ran to her, the young girl collapsed in agony and clutched her right ankle. Medical personnel were promptly dispatched to the scene and examined the injury for several minutes. Since Shreyanka could not put any weight on her right leg, the situation seemed dire. The 23-year-old was ultimately carried off the pitch in a cart, which was a concerning sight for India and raised questions about her availability for the rest of the competition. Shafali Verma took over to finish the over after Shreyanka was unable to continue.
With important tournament matches against South Africa and Australia still to come, India will now wait for the findings of more medical evaluations in the hopes that the injury is not as bad as it first appeared.
BCCI’s Statement On Shreyanka Patil
An update on Shreyanka’s injury was also released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“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 await further updates,” the BCCI said in a statement.
Before returning to competitive cricket, Shreyanka had to fight a protracted battle with injuries for about 16 months. She suffered a fractured finger during the Asia Cup, but she bounced back in time to play for India in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Her return was short-lived, though, as she was later diagnosed with Grade 3 shin splints in both legs, which prevented her from playing for several months. She also had to miss the whole 2025 Women’s Premier League season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to the setback.
Earlier this year, Shreyanka made her comeback to during India’s T20I series against Australia. With a game-winning performance in the series finale at the Adelaide Oval, she made a spectacular return and won Player of the Match.
Radha Yadav, an experienced player with left-arm spin who could be useful for the rest of the tournament, is India’s ready-made replacement in the event that Shreyanka is unable to recuperate in time.
Following their match against the Netherlands, will focus on a pivotal Group A match against South Africa, the 2024 runners-up, on June 20 at Old Trafford in Manchester.