EXCLUSIVE: Shreyanka Patil On Asian Games Gold, Olympics And Injury

Fresh off a two-wicket haul in India’s 147-run gold-medal demolition of Sri Lanka, Shreyanka Patil spoke about her Olympic dreams, the joy of a first-ever gold medal, and the mindset that got her back on the field after missing the World Cup through injury.

Asked whether she’d ever pictured herself as an Olympian growing up, Patil didn’t hesitate. “Actually, when cricket was being introduced in the Olympics, I wanted to be there, I wanted to win a gold medal for Team India. So, still the same hunger is there and I am looking forward to it,” she told myKhel.

India’s First Gold, and Her Own First

Beyond the team milestone – this result opened India’s medal tally at these Asian Games – the moment carried personal significance too. “I mean, special day for me, this is my first gold medal in Asian Games. I mean, my first gold medal in my career so far. So, very happy and yeah, just happy and grateful to be here.”

Asked about actually getting to keep the medal, unlike a trophy that typically stays with the association, she laughed: “Sure, now I think I can go and showcase my medal in my house as well.”

Enjoying Every Part of Her Game

Patil has built her reputation as a genuine all-rounder – contributing with bat, ball, and in the field – and she was clear that carrying that many responsibilities is something she embraces rather than manages. “I mean, responsibility is a good thing and I love being a part of everything. Because I enjoy fielding, I love batting and I love bowling. So, I think when you are good at all three departments, you feel good about it. And yeah, it’s fun to contribute in all three departments.”

Watching From the Sidelines, Then Coming Back

Patil missed India’s World Cup triumph at home through injury, watching her teammates lift the trophy from outside the playing group. Asked what that experience was like, she was candid about the mixed emotions. “Obviously, I was disappointed but I was also very happy that we won our first ever World Cup. But I think now that I am back on the field, I just want to contribute in the team’s victory. And I just love doing it. I just want to do what’s in my control and not think a lot about what’s not in my control. So, yeah, I am just keeping it very simple.”

Quiet Evening After a Golden Day

As for how she planned to celebrate, Patil kept things characteristically low-key: “Today, I don’t know. I will go to the room and freshen up and then we will know what the plan is. But obviously, we will have a good dinner today.”

India defeated Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the women’s T20 cricket final on Tuesday, successfully defending their Asian Games title in a repeat of the Hangzhou 2023 gold-medal clash. The win also delivered India’s first gold of the 2026 Games. Sri Lanka settled for silver for the second consecutive edition, while Pakistan claimed bronze after beating Bangladesh in the earlier third-place playoff.

Deepti Sharma was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 3/6, while Shafali Verma, Shree Charani, and Patil herself each picked up two wickets as India’s bowling unit delivered a thoroughly dominant performance to back up a mammoth total with the bat.