Prema Rawat Replaces Injured Shreyanka Patil In Women's T20 WC 2026

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Friday, 19 June 2026

India has suffered a major blow in their Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign after all-rounder Shreyanka Patil was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with an ankle ligament injury. The setback comes at a crucial stage of the competition, with the team building momentum following consecutive victories in the group stage.

Key Highlights:

• Shreyanka Patil ruled out of Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with an ankle injury
• Leg-spinner Prema Rawat approved as a replacement in the India squad
• India remains unbeaten with wins over Pakistan and the Netherlands

The injury occurred during India’s match against the Netherlands when Shreyanka twisted her right ankle while fielding. The 23-year-old attempted to chase down a ball shortly after coming on to bowl, but immediately appeared in discomfort. Medical staff attended to her on the field before she was helped off, unable to continue. Subsequent scans confirmed ligament damage, and the BCCI medical team ruled her out of the tournament.

The Event Technical Committee has approved leg-spinner Prema Rawat as Shreyanka’s replacement in the Indian squad. Prema, 24, joins the team after earning recognition through consistent performances in domestic cricket and India A assignments. While she is yet to make her senior international debut, selectors have rewarded her recent form with a place in the World Cup squad.

Shreyanka’s injury is particularly disappointing given her growing importance to India’s spin-bowling attack. Since making her international debut, she has featured in 24 matches and claimed 29 wickets at an impressive average of 19.55. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made her a valuable asset in the shortest format.

The latest setback also continues an unfortunate injury trend for the Karnataka all-rounder. A finger injury forced her to miss the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, while subsequent issues, including shin splints and a wrist stress reaction, kept her sidelined for extended periods. After working hard to regain fitness, Shreyanka returned to competitive cricket and played a role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful Women’s Premier League 2026 campaign before earning selection for the World Cup.

Prema arrives with strong credentials despite her lack of international experience. The leg-spinner impressed during India A’s victorious Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars campaign, where she collected eight wickets in five matches. She also emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker on India A’s tour of Australia last year, claiming seven wickets in three T20 matches.

The youngster has additionally gained valuable experience through the Women’s Premier League, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru over the past two seasons. Her performances earned her a place in the India A squad touring England, and she now receives an unexpected opportunity to step onto the global stage.

India currently sits in a strong position in the tournament after victories over Pakistan and the Netherlands. However, Shreyanka’s absence leaves a gap in the spin department and presents the team management with a selection challenge ahead of their upcoming clash against South Africa in Manchester.