Leeds: In a major blow to India, off-spinner Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup due to an ankle injury, with uncapped legspinner Prema Rawat named as her replacement.
The 23-year-old Patil sustained the injury during India’s 95-run victory over the Netherlands here on Wednesday. The incident occurred in the final over of the Powerplay when Patil twisted her ankle while attempting to stop the ball.
She was seen clutching her right leg immediately, with the team physio rushing onto the field. Unable to put any weight on the injured ankle, Patil was stretchered off after bowling just one delivery.
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Event Technical Committee has confirmed that Shreyanka Patil will take no further part in the tournament after injuring her right ankle in India’s Group A match against the Netherlands.
Patil was stretchered off during her first over, and scans confirmed the severity of the injury. Uncapped 24-year-old leg-spinner Prema Rawat, already in England with the India A squad, has been approved as her replacement and will join the senior team for the remainder of the competition.
Patil’s absence removes an experienced off-spin option from Harmanpreet Kaur’s bowling arsenal, which had been balanced by her economical spells. India now turn to Rawat’s leg-spin, which offers variation but comes without international experience. This shift may influence match-ups in upcoming games against spin-savvy opponents like South Africa and Australia, forcing India to rethink middle-over bowling plans.
Patil has endured an extended battle with injuries in recent years, starting with a fractured finger in July 2024 that ruled her out of that year’s T20 World Cup. This was followed by shin splints in both legs and a stress reaction in her wrist, sidelining her for close to a year. She made a successful return through the Women’s CPL 2025 and played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s WPL 2026 title win before featuring in India’s opening World Cup victory over Pakistan.
Now India may opt for Prema Rawat as she brings strong domestic credentials, including standout performances in the Women’s Premier League and the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars, where she took eight wickets at an average of 9.62. While uncapped, her leg-spin could provide a new attacking dimension to India’s bowling. Her ability to handle pressure on debut will be crucial as India face high-stakes group matches that could decide their semi-final fate.
