Indian Women's Cricket Team Loses Star Bowler Shreyanka Patil to Ankle Injury During T20 World Cup 2026

Star off-spinner Shreyanka Patil sustained a severe right ankle injury during India's Women's T20 World Cup 2026 match against Netherlands, forcing her to be stretchered off the field. The injury occurred in the 6th over of the Netherlands innings when Patil attempted to catch a ball hit by batter Fiebe Molkenboar, with her ankle twisting upon impact. She collapsed on the field in significant pain and was unable to bear weight on the injured leg.

Patil's injury represents a major blow to India's tournament campaign. The 23-year-old spinner has endured a challenging two-year period marked by multiple injuries, including fractures, shin splints, wrist injuries, and a left toe fracture that kept her sidelined for approximately 14-16 months. She missed the 2025 Women's Premier League and the domestic one-day World Cup. However, she had recently demonstrated her return to form, taking 11 wickets in 9 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore during the 2026 Women's Premier League, including an impressive 5/23 performance that earned her selection to the World Cup squad.

The Indian cricket board's women's division confirmed the injury through an official statement expressing hope for her swift recovery. The severity of the injury will be determined following medical scanning. Should the scan reveal a serious injury, Patil faces the possibility of missing the remainder of the tournament. The team has identified potential replacements, including left-arm spinner Tanujo Kanwar as a travelling reserve, along with middle-order batter Bharati Fulmali and pace bowling all-rounder Saima Thakur as backup options.

The injury adds to India's concerns during what has been a successful campaign thus far. Medical assessment and scan results will determine Patil's availability for upcoming matches and the extent of her participation in the tournament.