Here’s the full transcript of Shreyanka Patil’s exclusive interview with India Today
Looking back at the period from October 2024 to September 2025, what were the most important lessons you took away, and how did this phase shape you both on and off the field?
In that one-year period, I learned a lot. There were disappointments and ups and downs, but what I gained as a person is greater maturity and an understanding of how to navigate difficult situations. Physically, I wasn’t very fit, and mentally I felt low, so I had to figure out how to come out of it on my own.
It wasn’t a clear-cut answer that I could get from someone else—it was a personal journey. I experimented with different approaches: visualisation, meeting new people, meditating, staying calm, and managing my injuries. Through trial and error, I discovered my own way forward. I learned a lot from my mistakes, both as an individual and as a cricketer.
Being injured and mentally down was challenging because I couldn’t do what I love most—playing cricket. During that year, I often asked myself, “What’s next? Will I be able to play again?” I’m very grateful that I could overcome those thoughts and emerge stronger, calmer, and more focused.
As a cricketer, once you know you’ve faced and overcome a difficult period, returning to the field makes you truly grateful. I felt lucky to be back doing what I love, and that gratitude made the experience even more meaningful.
Dismissing Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, and Annabel Sutherland in a must-win game against Australia, can we say that X-factor Shreyanka Patil has truly roared back?
I want to go back to my first T20 game against Australia—that was my real comeback. I had played against GG 11 before, but this was different. I was excited, nervous, and determined to make an impact—to put India in a position to win. That was my mindset during the practice game against GG 11.
Heading into Sydney for my comeback T20 against Australia, stepping onto the SCG was surreal. I had imagined it so many times, and being there was an incredible feeling. The first game didn’t go as planned—I got hit for 24 runs in 2 overs, and I felt confused and frustrated. On the bus to Canberra, I had a long conversation with Arjun, someone I trust deeply. I expressed what was working, what wasn’t, and even shed some tears. His advice really helped me regain perspective.
In Canberra, during practice, I felt comfortable and clear-minded again. I missed the second T20, which was disappointing, but I understood that cricket is full of ups and downs. I focused on the third T20, a must-win game. Stepping onto the Adelaide Oval, I had a different mindset. I felt confident, inspired by the greats who had performed there before, and I wanted to do something special.
I kept thinking about Rahul Dravid’s 233 and Virat Kohli as well – he has scored a lot of runs at that ground. I was talking to my friends and told them, ‘I think this is my game. I’m going to do something special at this ground. The crowd’s energy was amazing – fans asking for pictures, cheering — it gave me a huge boost.
From the very first ball, I felt like, ‘I am back.’ Taking Perry’s wicket was a dream moment, something I had imagined for years. I even remembered tweeting about her 300th game, and here I was, taking her wicket in her 350th. Later, dismissing Georgia and Sutherland during a crucial spell felt incredible,” Shreyanka added.
How important was your maiden WPL five-wicket haul in helping you regain confidence and find your rhythm in international cricket?
I think having a five-wicket haul in your bag is something you can really flaunt—it’s a special achievement. Getting a five-wicket haul requires strength and courage, and I managed to do it against the Giants. Taking Meg Lanning’s wicket again was particularly satisfying. After my comeback in the WPL, this achievement feels incredibly special. I’m truly grateful—getting a five-wicket haul is something I had always dreamt of.
Last year, you manifested lifting the T20 World Cup trophy at Lord’s. Just three months before the final, were you feeling those butterflies in your stomach?
Right now, there are no butterflies—I’m just focused on improving. After winning the T20 series against Australia, our attention shifts to the five T20s against South Africa in South Africa. The goal is to win the series and build momentum leading up to the World Cup in London. I’m taking it one match at a time, preparing myself to make an impact for the Indian team. Maybe when the World Cup gets closer, I’ll start feeling those butterflies, but for now, it’s all about focus and performance.
At the recent Naman Awards, the BCCI felicitated the five World Cup-winning teams. Did a part of you think, ‘Yes, Shreyanka Patil also deserves to be there’?
I missed being there—dressing up, stepping onto the field, and collecting a trophy in front of so many talented cricketers. Being injured and missing out on the World Cup squad was tough, but I had to take it as motivation: to get better, work hard, and aim for the next squad to win another title for India. That’s my mindset, and I hope that next time we win the World Cup, I’ll be there to collect my medal too.
With the South Africa tour coming up next month and having very less experience of bowling outside the subcontinent, how are you approaching this series, knowing that performing well could cement your spot for the T20 World Cup?
I trust my skills. I know I can turn the ball on any pitch and try to give those extra revs—that comes naturally to me. I applied this approach in Australia, and I’m preparing the same way for South Africa. I’ll focus on adapting to the conditions there, taking practice sessions, figuring out what bowling styles work best, and then executing them to perform well.
Shreyanka, after India’s recent struggles in the ODI series in Australia, do you see this as an opportunity to push yourself and stake your claim to get back into the ODI setup?
My focus is on doing the best I can for the team, whichever team I play for. Right now, it’s the T20 World Cup, so for every game I’m given, I want to make an impact and contribute to winning matches or titles. I’m not thinking too far ahead about being in the Test squad or the ODI squad—I just want to perform consistently, focus on winning each game, and let everything else fall into place naturally.
Finally, tell us about 317, the story behind the name of the perfume, what inspired you to create it, and what this brand means to you personally
I’m super happy and proud that this is my first business. I’m excited to launch my perfume brand, 317, which has a very personal story for me. 317 represents so many meaningful things: my birthday is 3/17, the first time we lifted the WPL trophy for RCB was on March 17, and my serial number in the first-ever auction was 317. My family, my coach, and I kept noticing these coincidences, and we felt we had to do something special with this number.
We decided on a perfume brand. I took it very personally—sitting with Arjun sir, my brother, and my family, testing fragrances, deciding what I wanted and what I loved. It was a wonderful, personal experience, like “me time.” Eventually, we created a fragrance I truly love and believe others will too. I’m very grateful and proud to say that 317 is my brand.
