IND vs AUS: Impressive Shreyanka Patil debuts for India in Mumbai

In a much-anticipated move, Shreyanka Patil marked her ODI debut on Saturday, December 30, adding a fresh twist to India’s three-match series against Australia at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. The 21-year-old received her maiden ODI cap from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, a moment she will likely cherish forever.

Shreyanka's journey to the international stage gained momentum after an impressive T20I series against England, where she bagged five wickets, securing the Player of the Match title in the final game. This stellar performance earned her a spot in the ODI squad, where she seized the opportunity to replace left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque.

The official BCCI Women handle took to Twitter, sharing the delightful news, "Shreyanka Patil is all set to make her ODI Debut in Mumbai 😃👌 She receives the cap from Captain Harmanpreet 🤗."

The young player's rise in the cricketing ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting with the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, she quickly moved on to represent the India Emerging team in the Asia Cup. Subsequently, Shreyanka showcased her skills for India A in a series against England, solidifying her presence in the national squad.

What sets Shreyanka apart is not just her domestic success but also her groundbreaking achievement as the first Indian player to participate in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL). Playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, she emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker, securing nine wickets.

As India find themselves in a must-win situation after a six-wicket loss in the first game, the inclusion of Shreyanka brings a new dynamic to the team. The performance of Jemimah Rodrigues and Pooja Vastrakar in the previous match, though commendable, could not secure a victory for the hosts. Australia, led by stellar performances from Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, and Tahlia McGrath, chased down the target with ease.

With the spotlight now on Shreyanka, Indian cricket enthusiasts are hopeful that her ODI debut will be a turning point in the series, as the team aim to bounce back and level the playing field against Alyssa Healy’s formidable Australian side.