Key facts
- Shreyanka Patil ruled out of Women's T20 World Cup 2026
- India bowling coach backs Prema Rawat as replacement
- Coach called Rawat 'equally exciting'
- India Women open campaign against South Africa
India's bowling coach has thrown his weight behind Prema Rawat ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, saying the young spinner is 'equally exciting' despite the team having to cope with the absence of Shreyanka Patil. Patil, who has been one of the most talked-about emerging spinners in Indian women's cricket, will miss the tournament — a significant blow to a side that leans heavily on its spin options.
The coaching staff's decision to publicly back Rawat is a clear signal of intent. Rather than treating Patil's absence as a setback, the team management appears to be framing it as an opportunity for a new talent to announce herself on the world stage. Rawat's ability to generate turn and deceive batters in the powerplay and middle overs will be closely watched.
Shreyanka Patil had become something of a fan favourite and a genuine match-winner at the domestic and international level, making her unavailability a talking point among supporters. The bowling coach's statement was as much about steadying nerves in the fanbase as it was about affirming the team's internal confidence in Rawat.
With India Women set to open against South Africa, the spin department will face an early examination. The T20 World Cup 2026 could mark Prema Rawat's coming-of-age moment in international cricket if she can step into Patil's considerable shoes.