Shreyanka Patil (Photo Credit: ICC)

New Delhi: India have suffered a major blow in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with off-spinner Shreyanka Patil ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to an ankle injury, forcing the team management to bring in uncapped leg-spinner Prema Rawat as her replacement.Patil suffered the injury while fielding during India’s Group A match against the Netherlands on Wednesday. The 23-year-old injured his right ankle in the very first over and had to be taken off the field, bringing his campaign to a premature end.

Harmanpreet Kaur-led team is in shock due to injury

Patil’s loss is a big blow for India, with the off-spinner having recently returned to international cricket after recovering from injury.Patil played a key role in India’s win over Pakistan early in the tournament, bowling an economical spell of 0/17 in three overs. Her return has brought balance to the bowling attack, making her latest injury particularly unfortunate for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side.According to an ICC statement, Patil will not take further part in the ongoing tournament after suffering an ankle injury during the Netherlands match.

ICC approves Prema Rawat as replacement

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 approved the inclusion of Prema Rawat in the Indian team after Patil’s withdrawal.“The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 has approved Prema Rawat as the replacement for Shreyanka Patil in the Indian squad,” an ICC media release said.The statement said Rawat was named after Patil was ruled out due to a fielding injury against the Netherlands and all replacements require approval from the tournament’s event technical committee before being officially included in the squad.Rawat was already in England as part of the India A team and will now join the senior team for the remaining matches of the World Cup.

Uncapped spinner has got a place in the senior Indian team

The 24-year-old leg-break bowler is yet to make his international debut but has impressed in domestic and developmental competitions.Rawat caught everyone’s attention with her performances in the Women’s Premier League and Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. Representing India A in the latter competition, he took eight wickets at an excellent average of 9.62.With Patil sidelined, Rawat now has a chance to make her mark on the biggest stage as India continue their quest for a maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title.