Shreyanka Patil and Yastika Bhatia Named in India’s T20 World Cup Squad Despite Fitness Doubts

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India’s 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 on August 27. The squad selection raised eyebrows as it includes two players, Shreyanka Patil and Yastika Bhatia, who have yet to regain full fitness. Their participation in the tournament remains contingent on passing fitness tests.

The squad will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur, with key players like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Deepti Sharma forming the core team. The selection also offers an opportunity for Sajana Sajeevan, who is yet to make a significant impact at the international level. Uncapped Saima Thakor has been named in the traveling reserves, while Uma Chetry and Tanuja Kanwer will also accompany the team as reserves.

Shreyanka Patil’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy as she is recovering from an injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2024. She injured her left hand while taking a crucial catch and has since been working towards regaining fitness. Despite her injury, Shreyanka has been a standout performer, having taken 16 wickets in 12 games since her debut in December 2023. She was also the highest wicket-taker for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024-winning campaign.

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Yastika Bhatia, a wicketkeeper-batter, has also been struggling with fitness issues. Her last appearance in a T20I was against Bangladesh in April 2024. Yastika has scored 214 runs from 14 innings, with a strike rate of 88.42.

India’s campaign will kick off with a high-stakes match against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 6, followed by games against Sri Lanka on October 9 and defending champions Australia on October 13. All eyes will be on the fitness and form of key players as India aims for T20 World Cup glory.