India all-rounder Shreyanka Patil has made the most of her break from international cricket, spending a training session with former England captain Kevin Pietersen at the Mumbai maidans. Although Shreyanka has been rested for India’s upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, the break has provided her with an opportunity to work on her bowling and learn from one of the most celebrated batters of his generation.
During the session, Shreyanka bowled to Pietersen, who showcased his trademark footwork and ability to use the crease. The former England star moved around confidently, manoeuvring deliveries into different areas before stepping forward to launch one down the ground.
Shreyanka also had her moments during the practice session. The India all-rounder managed to strike Pietersen on the pads and immediately broke into an enthusiastic appeal, bringing a competitive edge to what otherwise appeared to be a relaxed outing.
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Following the session, Shreyanka shared a glimpse of the experience on Instagram, describing it as a welcome break from her demanding cricket schedule.
“That was so much fun. Much-needed day out,” she wrote.
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The training session comes after another challenging year for Shreyanka, who has once again had to overcome an injury setback. She suffered an ankle injury while fielding against the Netherlands during the Women’s T20 World Cup in June, forcing her to miss the remainder of the tournament.
However, the all-rounder recovered in time to return to competitive cricket at the Asian Games in Japan. She was part of the Indian women’s cricket team that won the gold medal under captain Harmanpreet Kaur, successfully defending its T20 cricket title.
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The comeback was an important milestone for Shreyanka, considering the injury challenges she had faced before returning to the national setup. Her latest recovery underlined her determination to regain fitness and contribute to India’s success.
Despite featuring in India’s Asian Games triumph, Shreyanka has not been included in the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. The selectors have opted for a squad featuring several younger players, with Smriti Mandhana taking over the captaincy.
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The break could prove beneficial for Shreyanka as she continues to develop her game. Training against an experienced batter like Pietersen offers an opportunity to assess her bowling plans, sharpen her execution and gain valuable insights. With her focus firmly on returning stronger, Shreyanka will hope to use this period productively as she works towards her next opportunity with the Indian team.
