India registered a dominant 95-run victory over the Netherlands in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, but celebrations were muted after all-rounder Shreyanka Patil suffered a painful ankle injury that forced her to leave the field on a stretcher. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur provided update following the conclusion of the game, with concerns growing over Patil’s availability for the remainder of the tournament.
The unfortunate moment occurred on the very first ball of the sixth over of the Dutch innings. Having been introduced into the attack during the powerplay, Shreyanka attempted to field a softly struck return after Phebe Molkenboer nudged the ball toward mid-on. As the 23-year-old bent down to collect it and change direction, her right ankle twisted awkwardly beneath her. She immediately collapsed in visible pain, clutching the injured area while teammates and medical staff rushed to assist.
Unable to stand or place any weight on the leg, Shreyanka received on-field treatment before being secured onto a stretcher and transported away in a medical buggy. Shafali Verma completed the remainder of the over after the incident brought play to a brief halt. Shreyanka was sent for scans soon after leaving the field, with the final diagnosis expected to determine whether she can take any further part in the competition.
Here’s the video:
Get well soon, Shreyanka Patil!
[ICC, WomensT20WorldCup] pic.twitter.com/OOrZhTVLG0
— Maitreyanath (@Maitreyanath) June 17, 2026
Harmanpreet Kaur provided update on Shreyanka’s injury
Speaking after the match, Harmanpreet chose not to speculate on the severity of the injury, explaining that the team was still waiting for the medical staff to complete their evaluation. The latest injury is especially heartbreaking given Shreyanka’s difficult journey back to international cricket. Over the past year, she has battled multiple physical setbacks, including a fractured finger, shin problems, and a wrist stress reaction that ruled her out of major assignments.
She also spoke publicly about the mental challenges she faced during her rehabilitation, making an inspiring return through impressive performances in franchise cricket before reclaiming her place in India’s setup. Her resurgence had made her one of India’s most valuable spin-bowling options, capable of delivering in all phases of a T20 innings. Seeing that comeback interrupted after just one delivery against the Netherlands adds another painful chapter to her story.
“She’s someone who is always eager to bowl and is ready whenever the team needs her. Hopefully, she’ll continue developing into a great all-rounder. At this stage, I don’t have a clear update,” said Harmanpreet during the post-match presentation.
India may need to rethink plans ahead of South Africa clash
While India climbed to the top of Group A after posting a commanding 209/5 and comfortably defending the total, attention has quickly shifted to Shreyanka’s fitness ahead of the crucial encounter against South Africa in Manchester on June 21. If she is ruled out, the team management could be forced to reshuffle its bowling combination, with experienced left-arm spinner Radha Yadav emerging as the leading candidate to fill the vacancy. For now, India will hope the scans deliver encouraging news and that one of their most promising all-rounders can make a swift return.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
