Spin Setback for India A Women: Shreyanka Patil and Priya Mishra Ruled Out of Australia Tour

Image Source: Women’s Cricket

India A Women's cricket team has been dealt a blow on the eve of their multi-format tour of Australia with offspinner Shreyanka Patil and legspinner Priya Mishra being formally ruled out of the series owing to injuries. The two players are still undergoing rehab at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, which has stalled their return to competitive cricket.

Key Points of the Injury Update and Squad Changes

Injury Details and Rehabilitation: Shreyanka Patil, out of action since a finger injury in the Women's Asia Cup in July last year, made a brief return in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the UAE but was ruled out again before the 2025 Women's Premier League because of a fresh injury. The nature of Priya Mishra's illness has not been made public but is serious enough to rule out participation. Both remain under medical care, going through Return-to-Play procedures at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

Effect on the India A Tour: The tour, which runs from August 7 to 24, 2025, includes a multi-format series comprising three T20s, three one-day games, and a four-day red-ball game against Australia A. The loss of these two vital spin options calls for bowling department tactical changes.

Squad Replacements and Reorganization: Bengal batsman Dhara Gujjar and Uttarakhand all-rounder Prema Rawat have been inducted into the squad in all three formats. While Gujjar was originally included in the one-day and four-day squads, Rawat was named in the T20 squad. Wicketkeeper-batsman Yastika Bhatia has also been included to strengthen the one-day squad.

BCCI Statement and Player Welfare: The Board of Control for Cricket in India highlights the focus on gradual rehabilitation and player fitness prior to resumption, which speaks of a commitment towards long-term player health.

Strategic Considerations This setback is a blow to India A's spin attack ahead of a tough series Down Under, but the addition of Gujjar, Rawat, and Bhatia provides opportunities for young talent to make a mark at the international level.

Sources: ESPN, The Hans India, Cricket Times