In a setback for the Indian women’s cricket team, off-spinner Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the remainder of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 due to a fractured finger. The Asian Cricket Council confirmed her exit in a media release on Saturday, July 20. Patil sustained the injury while attempting a catch during India’s opening match against Pakistan, where she played a key role in securing a victory with her impressive bowling figures of 2-14.
Patil, who had already suffered a hairline fracture on the same hand earlier this year during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, now faces another injury setback. Despite her injury, she managed to bowl 3.2 overs in the match, helping India dismiss Pakistan for 108 runs. Her resilience and performance in the WPL, where she clinched the Purple Cap and was voted Emerging Player of the Season, underscore her importance to the team.
In response to Patil’s absence, the selectors have called up left-arm spinner Tanuja Kanwer from Himachal Pradesh. Known for her determination and consistency, the 26-year-old Kanwer has been a standout performer in domestic cricket. Playing for Railways in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, she was the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the 2022 edition, with eight wickets and an exceptional economy rate of 3.03. Her performance in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy 2023 was equally impressive, taking 18 wickets with an economy of 2.43.
Kanwer’s domestic success earned her a contract with Gujarat Giants in the inaugural Women’s Premier League, where she was one of the few positives in a disappointing season for the team. Despite the Giants finishing at the bottom of the points table, Kanwer was their highest wicket-taker in the second edition, securing 10 wickets with an economy of 7.13.
This Asia Cup call-up marks Kanwer’s maiden inclusion in the national team, though she was already listed among the travelling reserves for the tournament. Her inclusion is timely as India, the defending champions, aim to maintain their winning streak after a convincing seven-wicket victory over Pakistan as they prepare to face the United Arab Emirates today.