Shreyanka Patil reveals Bumrah's wisdom (Source: @katyxkohli17/x.com)
The next edition of the WPL is almost here, and Indian fans are ready for some edge-of-the-seat T20 action. But all eyes will be on young spinner Shreyanka Patil as she is making a much-awaited return to the field after a long injury lay-off.
After missing the last WPL, Shreyanka Patil is ready for a blockbuster comeback, but Jasprit Bumrah played a key role in her return. When the young spinner was having a tough time, Bumrah’s magical words brought back her confidence.
Bumrah’s words spark magic in Shreyanka’s comeback
Injury has always been the greatest setback for any sportsman, and young Indian spinner Shreyanka Patil faced it quite harshly. Facing waves of injury, she has been away from the game for 14 long months. Being away from the sport she loved took a huge toll, leaving her at one of the lowest points of her life.
But the challenges faded during her recovery time at the BCCI’s CoE. While Shreyanka was hustling hard to make a stunning comeback, Jasprit Bumrah played a key role in her comeback. The veteran pacer shared his secrets on overcoming injury setbacks, giving the young spinner the confidence to rise stronger than ever.
“I had so many questions. About bowling under pressure, about practising yorkers. Even though he's a fast bowler and I'm a spinner, I bowl at the death too. He told me 'this is okay, everyone goes through it.' He said I'm facing it at a young age, so 'don't fight it. Just be in it,” she said.
Injuries sting, but missing the World Cup hits harder
Shreyanka Patil’s injury setback has been horrifying as the consecutive blows kept her away from the game for 14 long months. Starting with Shin splints, followed by a wrist injury, and then a fracture in the left thumb, the young spinner was struck in every way. After missing the WPL 2025, the tri-series, and the England tour, the Karnataka star admitted that skipping the World Cup was the heartbreak that hurt the most.
“I thought it was just a one-off injury. I felt I'd be back in two or three months. I never imagined I wouldn't be on the field for more than a year. Once I started missing tournaments back to back, and then missing out on WPL, that was a big blow for me. Missing the World Cup hurt a lot. As a cricketer, you always want to lift that trophy,” she said.
Shreyanka thanks RCB for believing in her
Even after missing out on the entire WPL season last year, RCB kept believing in her ability as the franchise retained her with three other stars. Before stepping into the field wearing the jersey, the spinner acknowledged the team’s support.
“No words can describe how I felt. Someone who hasn't played for 13 or 14 months, and they still trust you and say, 'We'll back you because your skill is up there'…it gives so much confidence,” she said.
“I was overthinking before that. 'What if I'm not retained, which team will I play for?' All those thoughts were there. After the call, I rang Arjun [Dev, her personal coach] sir and just started crying. I didn't even know what I was feeling. It was just so much love and belief,” she added.
Months of wait comes to an end as the Women’s Premier League is just two days away. With RCB Women set to clash against MI Women, Shreyanka Patil will be eager to rediscover her rhythm and make an immediate impact for her side.
