I am working on being mentally stronger ahead of upcoming WPL: Shreyanka Patil

Off-spinner Shreyanka Patil, who played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the WPL last season, and made her international debut during the T20I series against England Women in December, spoke exclusively to JioCinema recently. Excerpts: 

On her India call-up for the series against England last month 

Actually, I didn’t get a call-up. I got a call from Kanika (Ahuja) who congratulated me. I asked her why she was congratulating me. Then I opened my WhatsApp and saw that I was added to the Indian team’s online group. That’s when I realised that it was real, and I was going to play for the Indian team. I had represented India ‘A’ and for me the next goal obviously was to play for India. 

On making her debut at the Wankhede Stadium 

I was hoping that my debut would happen at Bangalore, but Mumbai is the city of dreams, so my dream came true in Mumbai. I got goosebumps when I saw people chanting India, India when I was bowling. I got that sudden pump and that energy just rushed in. I made sure that my parents came to watch the game and it was so nice to see them cheer for us. 

On playing under Harmanpreet Kaur 

This is the first time I am playing under Harry Di and she has given me the freedom to bowl how I want to. She has seen me in the WPL and I am really blessed that she gave me the opportunity. The support staff too has been amazing. Amol Sir has really supported me. 

On the WPL experience last season 

I have enjoyed the WPL thoroughly, not just batting and bowling but also having fun with my teammates and making new friends. The WPL provides a great opportunity to learn from legends like Ellyse Perry, Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Devine. I am looking forward to this year’s WPL too.

On her memories of meeting Virat Kohli 

That was a very sweet moment for me. I was sitting and thought, ‘Oh it’s just another team meeting’. Then I saw someone walk past me in a black shirt. When he appeared in front, I was like ‘This is Virat Kohli’. We had lost five games and were disappointed, and then suddenly he walks through. And then I was like, ‘What is happening.’ People were prompting me to ask questions. And nothing came out of my mouth. I was like, ‘Let me just see him and stare at him’. That was my first reaction when I saw him. The way he motivated the team was amazing. 

On her expectations from WPL-2 

Having got the taste of playing the first WPL, I realize that I have to upgrade my skills as well. I will also have to be mentally tough, so I am working towards it.  

On her Caribbean Premier League (CPL) experience with the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women 

Before I went for the CPL, my coach in Bangalore Arjun Sir told me, ‘Now you are not the youngster who is representing a team there. You are the overseas player.’ To go and play there after the experience of the WPL was quite interesting for me but then I enjoyed it thoroughly because I was in the thinktank group as well. I enjoyed every bit of it from getting Hayley Matthews’ wicket to being runners up in the tournament.