Shreyanka Patil Celebrates First Five-Wicket Haul Amid Injury Comeback

Shreyanka Patil of Royal Challengers Bengaluru achieved her first five-wicket haul in T20 cricket during a match against Gujarat Giants. After a challenging 14-month injury layoff, she expressed gratitude for her teammates' contributions, particularly Radha Yadav's pivotal innings. The match saw RCB recover from a difficult start to post a competitive total, ultimately securing a 32-run victory. Shreyanka's reflections on her journey back to the game highlight her determination and the support she received from family and coaches. As RCB captain Smriti Mandhana praised the team's performance, GG captain Ashleigh Gardner acknowledged areas for improvement in their strategy. Read on for more insights from this thrilling match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 17, 2026, 00:48 IST

RCB's Victory Over Gujarat Giants

After the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) triumphed over the Gujarat Giants (GG), spinner Shreyanka Patil shared her excitement about achieving her inaugural five-wicket haul in T20 cricket. This achievement comes after a challenging year-long hiatus from the sport due to injury, which brought numerous challenges in both her cricketing career and personal life.

Key Contributions from RCB Batters

Significant middle-order performances were delivered by Radha Yadav, who scored 66 runs off 47 balls, including six fours and three sixes. Richa Ghosh added 44 runs from 28 balls with four boundaries and two sixes, while Nadine de Klerk contributed 26 runs off just 12 balls. These efforts propelled RCB to a total of 182/7, recovering from a precarious position of 43/4. This competitive score allowed Shreyanka (5/23) and Lauren Bell (3/29) to shine with the ball, ultimately dismissing GG for 150 runs, securing a 32-run victory.

Shreyanka Acknowledges Team Efforts

In her post-match remarks, Shreyanka expressed gratitude towards Radha, stating, "I must credit Radha for her innings; without her, we might not have reached that total. The way Richa and Radha played after we were 44 for 4 was crucial, instilling confidence in us as we aimed for a score between 170-180, especially knowing dew would be a factor."

Reflecting on a Challenging Year

Shreyanka also discussed her lengthy absence from cricket, which lasted nearly 14 months and included missing significant tournaments like the WPL 2025 and the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, where India claimed their first major world title. She described this period as a "rollercoaster ride," emphasizing her determination to return stronger. "I relied heavily on my support system, including my coaches, family, and sister, who traveled from Bangalore to support me. Being away from cricket for so long was tough, as I thrive on being active on the field," she shared.

Aiming for Wicket-Taking Success

Shreyanka expressed satisfaction with her preparation leading up to the tournament, stating that her bowling execution is currently on point. "I consider myself a wicket-taking bowler, and I strive to be impactful in any situation, whether during powerplays, middle overs, or at the death. I focus on getting wickets, not just containing runs," she explained.

Captain Mandhana's Insights

RCB captain Smriti Mandhana praised the remarkable 105-run partnership between Richa and Radha, calling it "special to watch." She noted the importance of their contributions and highlighted the need for improvement in fielding, acknowledging that they dropped two easy catches during the match.

Gardner's Perspective on GG's Performance

Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner admitted that the team aimed to bowl first, recognizing the wicket's potential. She reflected on Radha's impressive batting and acknowledged that they failed to rein in RCB's scoring as quickly as they should have. Gardner emphasized the need for improvement in their chasing strategy as they prepare for the next leg of the tournament.