Table of Contents
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been dealt a significant setback for the ongoing season of Women’s Premier League (WPL), with star spinner Shreyanka Patil ruled out due to injury. The 22-year-old, a pivotal figure in RCB’s triumphant 2024 campaign, failed to recover from a shin injury in time for WPL 2025, which began on February 14.
Shreyanka Patil’s absence leaves void in RCB’s bowling attack
Patil’s absence leaves a major void in RCB’s bolwing lineup. Last season, she claimed the Purple Cap with 13 wickets in eight matches, including a match-winning four-wicket haul in the final against Delhi Capitals. Her injury compounds RCB’s growing list of absentees, which includes bowlers Asha Sobhana, Sophie Molineux, Kate Cross and all-rounder Sophie Devine. The franchise now faces an uphill battle to replicate their 2024 success with a depleted squad.
Also READ: WPL 2025 – Smriti Mandhana responds wittily on taking Ashleigh Gardner ‘out for a dinner’
Shreyanka Patil’s replacement
To fill the gap, RCB have signed all-rounder Sneh Rana as Patil’s replacement for INR 30 lakh. Rana, who went unsold at the 2025 auction, brings experience from her two seasons with Gujarat Giants, where she played 12 matches and briefly led the side in 2023 after captain Beth Mooney’s injury. The 30-year-old has joined RCB’s pre-season camp in Vadodara, integrating with the squad for their remaining fixtures.
RCB’s decision to recruit Rana reflects her utility as a spin-bowling all-rounder capable of contributing with both bat and ball. Her inclusion adds depth to a squad grappling with multiple injury concerns, though replacing Patil’s wicket-taking prowess remains a formidable challenge.
Also WATCH: Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja dance to celebrate RCB’s historic win over GG in WPL 2025
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
