India Women have received a major boost ahead of the 2026 Asian Games with off-spinner Shreyanka Patil returning to the squad after recovering from the ankle injury that ruled her out of the Women’s Asia Cup.
Shreyanka Patil has been cleared by the medical and fitness staff and joined Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad in Aichi, where India began their campaign against Japan in the quarter-finals.
Patil’s Return Confirmed
Although Shreyanka Patil was originally named in India’s Asian Games squad, doubts remained over her availability after she missed the entire Asia Cup, which India won by defeating Sri Lanka in the final.
Those doubts have now been removed, with her coach Arjun Dev confirming that she has recovered and is travelling to Japan.
Shreyanka Patil’s return gives India another experienced spin option as they prepare for the knockout stages of the competition.
Strong T20I record
Patil has established herself as one of India’s most effective T20 bowlers despite her relatively short international career.
She has claimed 29 wickets in 24 T20Is at an average of 19.55 and has regularly delivered in pressure situations. During the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, she picked up four wickets in six appearances.
When defending targets, Patil has been particularly effective, taking 11 wickets in 11 innings while maintaining an average of 22.27 and a strike rate of 18.8.
Her domestic performances have also been impressive. Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women in the Women’s Premier League, she has taken 30 wickets at a strike rate of 14.3, establishing herself as one of the competition’s leading spinners.
Long road back from injury
Patil’s return follows a difficult two-year period affected by multiple injuries.
Her injury troubles began in July 2024 when she fractured a finger, before later being diagnosed with Grade 3 shin splints in both legs along with a wrist stress reaction. Those setbacks kept her out of action for an extended period and forced her to miss the 2025 Women’s Premier League.
Another major blow came on June 17, 2026, during India’s T20 World Cup match against the Netherlands at Headingley, when she suffered a torn ligament in her right ankle while fielding. The injury ruled her out of the remainder of the World Cup as well as the Women’s Asia Cup.
Having now completed her rehabilitation, Patil returns at an important stage of India’s preparations as the team targets another major title at the 2026 Asian Games.
