Indian spinner Shreyanka Patil has candidly spoken about one of the most challenging periods of her cricket career, revealing that a prolonged injury layoff left her battling depression and questioning her future in the sport. The 22-year-old admitted that there were moments when she even considered giving up cricket before finding the strength to fight her way back.
Shreyanka’s struggles began during the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup when she suffered a fractured finger against Pakistan. Unfortunately, her injury troubles did not end there. Severe shin injuries in both legs and a fractured left thumb followed, forcing her out of action for more than a year.
The lengthy absence came at a crucial stage of her career. Shreyanka missed India’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph in 2025 as well as the entire Women’s Premier League season. The setbacks interrupted what had been a rapid rise as one of India’s most promising white-ball spinners.
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Reflecting on that difficult period, Shreyanka admitted the mental challenges were just as demanding as the physical recovery. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t depressed or that I didn’t think about giving up cricket. That’s how I felt initially during the injury phase. But there was a voice inside me saying, ‘No matter what, I love playing this sport. I’m here only because I love playing it,’” she told JioStar.
Shreyanka Patil reflects on the lasting impact of India’s unforgettable 2017 Women’s World Cup campaign and how it inspired an entire generation of cricketers.
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The young spinner credited her family for helping her stay positive throughout the recovery process. She revealed that constant support from her father and loved ones played a major role in keeping her motivated during the darkest moments. “My dad kept talking to me, and my family supported me throughout. I was always surrounded by great people. That kept me going,” she said.
After making her comeback with the Barbados Royals in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League in 2025, Shreyanka gradually worked her way back into competitive cricket. She recently impressed during India’s Women’s T20 World Cup victory over Pakistan, delivering an economical spell and showing signs of returning to her best.
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Looking ahead, Shreyanka Patil remains focused on helping India succeed in the tournament. While India have started strongly, she warned against complacency and stressed that tougher challenges await against teams like South Africa and Australia. “It’s a World Cup, and you never know; anything can happen. You have to be at your best on the given day,” she said.
