RCB Star Admits: 'Being Out Of Cricket For 14 Months Was Tough, I Can't Sit Quiet'

Royal Challengers Bengaluru spinner Shreyanka Patil expressed that witnessing Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh lead the team out of a tough spot with a century partnership instilled the squad with the confidence to aim for victory in Friday’s Women’s Premier League clash against Gujarat Giants.

The off-spinner, who played a key role in the match with remarkable figures of 5 for 23, dismantling Gujarat Giants’ batting and securing a 32-run win, attributed her improved bowling to her preparations over the past few months.

“Firstly, I would love to credit Radha (Yadav) because without her innings, we wouldn’t have posted that total. I’m really pleased with how Radha and Richa (Ghosh) contributed to the innings from 40 for 4 (43 for 4). It gave us a lot

of confidence,” said Patil.

Yadav scored 66 off 47 balls, while Ghosh added 44 from 28 deliveries, with the duo putting together a 105-run partnership for the fifth wicket, a game-changing moment on the day.

Regarding the exceptional bowling performance, Patil acknowledged the bowlers for their effectiveness despite the dew factor.

“We knew dew would play a big role. I think the bowlers did tremendously well, and I am very happy to get my first WPL five-for. I’ve been through a personal roller-coaster. I came out of it very strong.

“Being out of cricket for 14 months was tough for me because I can’t sit quietly. I need to be on the field. I’m very happy with the preparation over the last few months and glad my execution is now coming together. I am a wicket-taking bowler,” she remarked.

“Because of the drift, turn, and bounce I get, which I haven’t seen much. I don’t know why I am giving myself so much credit (laughs). But I have always wanted to be the strike bowler,” she added.

RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana described the partnership between Yadav and Ghosh as “really special”.

“She’s (Yadav) always played that (No.5) role for her state team and done well. We knew she’s excelled in that role. It’s an Indian league and when someone has performed well for her state, you have to back them,” said Mandhana.

She also praised the bowlers, mentioning they felt confident defending the total, aware that any result is possible at the DY Patil Stadium even with a big score.

“With the bowling variety we have, we were confident, but you can never be overconfident at DY Patil Stadium. We dropped two catches, both easy ones, and we pride ourselves on being good fielders, so that’s not acceptable… I think the middle order, where we are losing back-to-back wickets, is an area we can work on,” she added.

(With agency inputs)