“Pressure is a Good Thing” – Shreyanka Patil Ready to Continue Her Dream Run in Women’s T20 World Cup

Shreyanka Patil, all set to represent India in the Women’s T20 World Cup, has had an incredible year, achieving major milestones like winning the Women’s Premier League (WPL), debuting for India, and becoming a fan favorite.

Just two weeks ago, her T20 World Cup dream seemed uncertain. After recovering from a finger injury, she twisted her ankle during a practice match. For two days, it seemed like she might miss out on the tournament. Fortunately, the injury wasn’t serious, and she passed the fitness test to join the Indian squad flying to the UAE for the tournament.

A Breakthrough Year

The past year has been nothing short of a dream for Patil. After becoming the first Indian to play in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL), she made her debut for India in December and shone in the WPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in March. Her ability to bowl in different phases, especially at the death overs, has made her stand out.

Reflecting on her journey, Patil said, “I was just focusing on my process. I wasn’t thinking too far ahead. I just wanted to give my best, no matter which team I was playing for.”

Despite RCB finishing last in the WPL, Patil was one of their top spinners, picking up 13 wickets, including a brilliant 4 for 12 in the final. One of her most cherished memories was playing in front of massive crowds in Bengaluru, which left a lasting impact on her.

“When we faced that crowd in Bangalore, it was just massive,” she said. “When you see so many people cheering for you, it makes you want to give your best.”

Patil also spoke about the importance of learning from experienced teammates like Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry, both on and off the field. “Playing with them was an amazing experience. I learned so much, not just about cricket but about handling different situations,” she said.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite winning the Purple Cap for her performance, Patil admitted the first half of the WPL was challenging for her. “I couldn’t perform at my best in the Bangalore leg, and I was disappointed,” she shared. But with support from her coaches and teammates, she turned things around in the second half of the tournament.

Dealing with Fame

The WPL has not only helped players like Patil financially but also brought them into the spotlight. After the tournament, she was welcomed home by a crowd of fans. “When I got home, there were thousands of people outside asking for selfies and saying such kind words about my bowling and my smile. I couldn’t stop smiling!” she said.

Patil’s quick rise in the sport can be attributed to her competitive spirit and ability to handle pressure. “I don’t like to lose,” she said. “For me, pressure is a good thing. I feel calm under pressure because I practice putting myself in tough situations, like needing to bowl the last two balls to defend four runs.”

Looking Ahead to the Women’s T20 World Cup

As India prepares for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Patil will be one of four spin-bowling options alongside Radha Yadav, Deepti Sharma, and Asha Sobhana. India’s campaign begins on October 4 against New Zealand, followed by a high-stakes match against Pakistan on October 6. They will also face Australia and Sri Lanka in the group stages.

Though Patil hasn’t played a competitive match since the Asia Cup opener, she is relieved to be injury-free and ready to chase her dream of winning the World Cup.