WPL: RCB's Shreyanka Patil reportedly ruled out due to injury
What's the story
Roya Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) star spinner Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the 2025 Women's Premier League (WPL) due to an injury. Sources close to India Today confirmed the news. Meanwhile, as Patil's replacement, the team has already roped in all-rounder Sneh Rana, who had gone unsold in last year's WPL auction after being released by the Gujarat Giants. Here's more.
Match absence
Patil's absence from recent match raises concerns
Patil's absence from the recent match against Ash Gardner's Gujarat Giants (GG) at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, fueled rumors about her health. The 22-year-old cricketer subsequently posted a message on social media that alluded to her physical state. "Heartbroken, but I will fly again," she wrote on Instagram, putting to rest the injury rumors surrounding her.
Injury history
Patil's previous injuries and performance
Notably, Patil, who was the Purple Cap winner in the last WPL edition, with 13 scalps had earlier missed a few games due to a finger injury. She also got injured during a match against Pakistan in the Women's Asia Cup, missing the rest of that tournament. Despite the setbacks, she made a comeback in the Women's T20 World Cup in UAE but missed India's home matches against Ireland and West Indies.
Team challenges
RCB faces injury woes as WPL 2025 progresses
RCB are already battling a string of injuries that has left their spin attack depleted. Apart from Patil, Sophie Molineux and Asha Sobhana are also out of the tournament due to injuries. Additionally, Kate Cross and New Zealand's 2024 World Cup-winning team captain Sophie Devine have also pulled out of the tournament. Despite the injuries, RCB still have Prema Rawat, Georgia Wareham, Charlie Dean and Kanika Ahuja as their spin bowling options for the upcoming matches of WPL 2025.
Numbers
The spinner's WPL and T20I numbers
Patil who is now ruled out, owns 19 WPL scalps across 15 innings. She owns an economy of 8.51 and an average of 18.36. Meanwhile, she also boasts two three-wicket hauls for RCB alongside her best performance of 4/12 vs Delhi Capitals in 2024. Meanwhile, for India, she has bagged 20 wickets in 16 T20Is, at an average of 19.20. According to ESPNcricinfo, she has managed an economy rate of 6.73, including the best bowling inning of 3/19.
Match recap
RCB chase 202 vs GG in season opener
RCB scaled down a target of 202 runs against GG in the WPL opener on Friday. GG managed 201/5 in 20 overs, riding on Beth Mooney's 56 and Ashleigh Gardner's unbeaten 79. For RCB Renuka Singh returned with 2/25. Meanwhile, in response, Ellyse Perry smashed a 34-ball 57. Richa Ghosh hammered a 27-ball 64*. Skipper Gardner was the pick of the bowlers for GG with figures worth 2/33. RCB managed 202/4 with 9 balls to spare.