Women's Asia Cup 2024: Shreyanka Patil Sidelined With Fractured Finger, Kanwar To Replace

Spinner Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the Women's Asia Cup 2024 due to an injury sustained during India's opening match against Pakistan on July 19 in Dambulla. The 21-year-old bowled 3.2 overs, taking two wickets for 14 runs, and was not required to bat as India secured a seven-wicket victory with 5.4 overs remaining.

Shreyanka's absence is a significant blow for the Indian team. Harmanpreet Kaur and her squad will now have to proceed without her after the Asian Cricket Council announced that Shreyanka "sustained a fracture to the fourth finger of her left hand." This injury mirrors one she suffered during the WPL 2024 while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which had also sidelined her for several matches.

India has already named a replacement by selecting uncapped Tanjua Kanwar from the travelling reserves. Tanuja, a left-arm spinner, played for Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League earlier this year and also represents Railways in domestic cricket. She was impressive in the WPL last season, finishing as Gujarat Giants' top wicket-taker with 10 wickets at an economy rate of 7.13 from eight games.

Since making her international debut in December 2023, Shreyanka has taken 16 wickets in 12 T20I matches for India at an economy rate of 7.14. She was one of four spin options in the squad alongside Deepti Sharma, Asha Sobhana, and Radha Yadav.

India will face UAE in their second Group A match of the tournament on July 21 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka. Their final group game is scheduled against Nepal on July 23 at the same venue.

The off-spinner made a strong comeback during the WPL 2024 after her initial injury, finishing as the leading wicket-taker and winning the Emerging Player of the Series award with 13 wickets. Her performance included taking four wickets in the final against Delhi Capitals, helping RCB secure their maiden title.

The updated squad for India Women's Asia Cup 2024 includes: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Uma Chetry (wicketkeeper), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Tanuja Kanwer, Sajana Sajeevan. Travelling reserves are Shweta Sehrawat, Saika Ishaque, and Meghna Singh.

Shreyanka's previous injury during WPL did not deter her from making a remarkable comeback later in the tournament. Her resilience and performance were key factors in RCB's success.

The Indian team will need to adapt quickly to Shreyanka's absence as they aim to continue their strong start in the Women's Asia Cup 2024.