India’s budding allrounder Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out for the remainder of the Women’s Asia Cup with a fractured finger. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) issued a media release on Saturday, July 20, to confirm that Patil has sustained a fracture to her ring finger on her left hand and that she will not feature in the rest of the tournament.
Patil, a promising talent in Indian women’s cricket, encountered the injury while fielding during India’s tournament opener against their fierce rivals, Pakistan. Despite this setback, the young allrounder exhibited commendable determination by continuing to bowl, managing to take two key wickets while conceding only 14 runs in 3.2 overs.
This injury is a considerable blow to the Women in Blue: Patil has made a notable impact in a short career span. At just 21 years old, Patil has already claimed 16 wickets in 12 T20Is, boasting an impressive economy rate of 7.14. Her all-round capabilities have been an asset to the team, making her absence even more pronounced for India in this tournament.
In light of Patil’s unavailability, the selection committee has announced Tanuja Kanwar as her replacement. This decision marks a significant milestone for Kanwar, who is set to make her maiden appearance for India at the international level. The 26-year-old slow left-arm orthodox bowler from Himachal Pradesh had a remarkable season in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) while representing the Gujarat Giants. Selected for Rs 50 lakh, Kanwar justified her inclusion by emerging as the leading wicket-taker for her team, securing 10 wickets.
The inclusion of Kanwar could prove beneficial for the Indian team, especially given the nature of the pitch at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Historically, the surface has been known to favor spinners, and the Indian squad could leverage Kanwar’s skill set in this context. The hope is that Kanwar can seamlessly adapt to the demands of international cricket and offer valuable contributions during this major competition.
The Indian captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, remains resolute in her pursuit to claim the Women’s Asia Cup. Kaur has expressed confidence in her squad’s abilities and has underscored the importance of maintaining a disciplined and clinical approach on the field.
. Reflecting on India’s commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan, Harmanpreet acknowledged the collective effort of the team, highlighting the contributions of the bowlers and the opening batters.
“Our bowlers and openers did the job. The first game is always a pressure game that sets the tone. Our entire unit played really well. When we were bowling, we were talking about early breakthroughs. With the bat, credit goes to Smriti and Shafali. We want to keep playing fearless cricket,” Harmanpreet said, emphasizing the team’s strategy and morale.
This tournament holds added significance for the Indian side as it serves as a precursor to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for October. The captain hinted at the broader implications of their performance in the Asia Cup, noting that a strong showing here could set a positive trajectory for their World Cup campaign.
In a related note, the Indian cricket landscape is also witnessing some key developments in its support staff. Abhishek Nayar and former Dutch allrounder Ryan ten Doeschate are reportedly joining the Indian support staff for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. This addition to the coaching panel is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective and bolster the team’s strategic approach.
Moreover, fans have been treated to heartwarming moments, such as Smriti Mandhana’s touching gesture after the India-Pakistan clash, which has further endeared the team to its supporters. These off-field instances, combined with on-field performances, continue to solidify the connection between the team and its fans, fostering an encouraging environment as India aims for cricketing glory.
As the Women’s Asia Cup progresses, the Indian team faces the dual challenge of coping with key injuries while staying focused on their goal. The inclusion of new talent like Tanuja Kanwar represents both a test and an opportunity for the squad. The spirit and resilience shown by the players, especially in the face of adversity, will be crucial in navigating the remaining matches and striving for the prestigious title.
