NEW DELHI: India's ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has suffered a major blow as off-spinner Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to an ankle injury. The team management has named uncapped leg-spinner Prema Rawat as her replacement.
Patil sustained the injury while fielding during India's Group A clash against the Netherlands on Wednesday. The 23-year-old hurt her right ankle in her very first over and had to be stretchered off the field, ending her tournament prematurely.
Injury blow rocks Harmanpreet Kaur-led side
The loss of Patil is a significant setback for India, especially as the off-spinner had only recently returned to international cricket after recovering from a previous injury. Patil had played in India's victory over Pakistan earlier in the tournament, bowling an economical spell of 0/17 from three overs. Her return had provided balance to the bowling attack, making her latest injury particularly unfortunate for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side.
According to an ICC statement, Patil will take no further part in the ongoing tournament after suffering the ankle injury during the Netherlands match.
ICC approves Prema Rawat as replacement
The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 approved the inclusion of Prema Rawat in the Indian squad following Patil's withdrawal.
"The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 has approved Prema Rawat as a replacement for Shreyanka Patil in the India squad," an ICC media release said.
The statement added that Rawat was named after Patil was ruled out due to the injury she sustained while fielding against the Netherlands and that all replacements require approval from the tournament's Event Technical Committee before being officially added to the squad.
Rawat was already in England as part of the India A squad and will now link up with the senior team for the remainder of the World Cup.
Uncapped spinner earns senior India call-up
The 24-year-old leg-break bowler is yet to make her international debut but has impressed in domestic and developmental competitions. Rawat caught the eye with her performances in the Women's Premier League and the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. Representing India A in the latter competition, she claimed eight wickets at an outstanding average of 9.62.
With Patil sidelined, Rawat now has an opportunity to make her mark on the biggest stage as India continue their quest for a maiden Women's T20 World Cup title.
