New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) All-rounder Shreyanka Patil from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) expressed that she felt completely blank and subsequently wept tears of joy after learning about her retention by the WPL 2024 champions, despite being sidelined from cricket for over a year due to injuries.

The off-spinner concluded WPL 2024 as the top wicket-taker with 13 wickets, securing the Purple Cap and the Emerging Player of the Season title while helping RCB clinch the championship. However, she was unable to participate in WPL 2025 due to recurring grade-three shin splints and a stress reaction in her right wrist.

While fielding at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in June, Shreyanka suffered a thumb fracture, but she has since returned to play for Barbados Royals in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL). With RCB choosing to retain her for Rs 60 lakh, she is eager to regain consistent performance as the team kicks off its season against defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Friday.

“I can’t express the emotions I felt when Malo sir (Malolan Rangarajan) called to tell me I was retained. He said, ‘Patil, you’ve been retained.’ I was genuinely shocked because it’s remarkable for someone who hasn’t played in 13-14 months to receive such trust,” Patil stated during a virtual pre-season press conference.

“It’s incredibly motivating for any young cricketer. I was in disbelief, and Malo remarked that he had never seen me so calm. I told him I needed time to process that news. Afterward, I called my coach Arjun sir and started crying, overwhelmed by the moment,” she recounted.

Shreyanka acknowledged that the team would miss the presence of Ellyse Perry, a 'true legend' of the game, who played a vital role in their championship victory but will not be available for the upcoming season due to personal matters.

“She is an incredible player, and we will definitely miss her contributions to RCB. She has taught us invaluable lessons on and off the field, especially regarding fitness,” she said.

Shreyanka commended RCB for their unwavering support during her rehabilitation, noting that captain Smriti Mandhana frequently checked on her progress.

“They have kept in touch, providing me with confidence and support, saying I am the best. Such genuine encouragement from them felt deeply meaningful,” she remarked.

Shreyanka concluded by sharing that she spent the past month preparing intensively for the tournament at NICE Academy with her coach, focusing on match scenarios. “I engaged in visualisation and manifestation techniques, and now that I’m back after months, I feel confident in my skills and mindset. I’m ready to take on this tournament,” she stated.