For a young athlete, eleven months away from the game can feel like an eternity. This was the reality for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's promising all-rounder, Shreyanka Patil, whose career faced a major hurdle due to a serious injury. The prolonged period saw her focus shift from taking wickets on the field to hitting recovery milestones in rehabilitation.
The Grind of Recovery and Missed Opportunities
Speaking in a virtual interaction, the 23-year-old from Karnataka revealed the mental challenge of the extended break. "I thought it was just a one-off injury and I'd be back in a couple of months. I never imagined I would be away from the field for more than a year," Shreyanka admitted. The timing was particularly cruel, forcing her to miss pivotal events like the inaugural Women's Premier League season and the Women's T20 World Cup. "Missing out on the WPL was a big blow, and then missing the World Cup hurt me a lot," she said.
Unexpected Guidance from a Senior Pro
However, the time off presented an unexpected silver lining: the chance to connect with seasoned Indian cricketers also undergoing rehab. Shreyanka recalled a crucial conversation with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah at the National Cricket Academy's Centre of Excellence. Drawing from his own extensive experience with injuries, Bumrah offered wisdom that became her anchor.
"He told me, 'It's okay — what you're going through, everyone will go through. You're facing this at a very young age. Don't fight it — just be in it,'" Shreyanka shared. His emphasis on patience, trusting the rehabilitation process, and not rushing the body back helped her navigate the most difficult phase. She also interacted with batter Suryakumar Yadav during this period.
A New Beginning and RCB's Faith
The hard work culminated in a return to competitive cricket in September 2023, when she played for the Barbados Royals in the Women's Caribbean Premier League. That first ball bowled marked a profound moment of relief. "I was excited. When I bowled the first ball, I said, 'I'm fine now.' All my nerves eased down," she remembered.
The show of faith from her franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which retained her despite the year-long absence, left her speechless. "I was shocked because they placed their trust in someone who hadn't played for almost a year," Shreyanka expressed with gratitude. As the WPL 2024 season kicks off, she is set to don the RCB colours once again, with the team beginning their campaign against the Mumbai Indians on January 9 in Mumbai.
Although RCB will play all their matches away from Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium this season, Shreyanka remains confident of unwavering support from the team's passionate fanbase, stating, "Wherever we go, we have our fans." Her journey from a daunting 11-month layoff to the cusp of a WPL return stands as a testament to resilience, shaped by invaluable lessons and guidance from the very best in the sport.
