A few days ago, on March 17, we celebrated a remarkable milestone: a year since the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their name in history by securing their first Women’s Premier League (WPL) title in 2024. It’s hard not to feel a thrill of excitement as those vibrant memories of victory flood back. Shreyanka Patil, RCB’s dynamic all-rounder, recently shared her heartfelt reflections about that unforgettable season on *The Unheard Appeal podcast* by NICE Official.
As she looked back at her journey, Shreyanka didn’t just recount the thrilling triumphs; she also spoke candidly about the challenges that shaped her path. Her smile lit up the conversation as she recalled the indescribable joy of lifting the trophy. “Lifting the trophy felt like pure happiness and joy; I felt like a kid again,” she mentioned, capturing the essence of an experience so many of us might dream of – standing at the pinnacle of success after a long, arduous journey.
Let’s rewind a bit to the beginning of WPL 2024, which wasn’t exactly a fairytale start for Shreyanka. A back injury had her on edge, leaving her uncertain about whether she could even play in the opening matches. The frustration was palpable, as she battled feelings of disappointment and irritation. Yet, through this rough patch, what kept her spirit alive was the steadfast support from RCB’s medical team and their Assistant Coach, Malolan Rangarajan. “When you know all these people are supporting you, through your thick and thin, it makes you feel safe,” she said, a reminder of how vital a support system can be during trying times.
Then came that magical first home game at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium. Picture this: a parade of bikes escorting the team from their hotel to the stadium, the thrill of the fans adorned in RCB jerseys, cheering passionately as they ushered the players into the heart of the action. Shreyanka recalled this moment with wide-eyed wonder. “Since I was a kid, I’ve always watched the RCB bus go by while riding the metro, dreaming of being in that bus myself. And here I was,” she reflected, a reminder that dreams, however distant, can sometimes turn into unforgettable reality.
RCB’s campaign kick-started with a match against the UP Warriorz. For Shreyanka, it was a blend of learned instincts and the desire to seize the moment. Batting with just a couple of balls remaining, she aspires to be a game-changer. Sure, she missed the first delivery, but ended the innings with a thrilling six off Sophie Ecclestone. “I just thought wherever she bowls, I’m gonna swing hard… and she bowled a full toss, and I swung that as hard as I could, and it went for a six.” It ignited not just her game, but her spirits.
However, the journey wasn’t without bumps. The Bengaluru leg of the tournament proved challenging for Shreyanka. She candidly admitted, “I personally thought I disappointed my family, my parents, the whole crowd because I had a lot of expectations on myself to perform in front of my home ground, my own people. but I failed to do it.” It’s relatable – we all know that nagging feeling of letting our loved ones down when we miss the mark.
After that came an unexpected twist—a minor fracture incurred while fielding at long-on. Yet, in true warrior spirit, she pushed through the pain to complete the innings. When she later learned about the injury, she could have been disheartened. But, instead, it became an opportunity for reflection. The unwavering faith of her teammates and coaches propelled her forward. “Luke (Luke Williams), Malo Sir (Malolan Rangarajan), Smriti (Smriti Mandhana) – they were like, ‘Even with one hand, we want you to play.’ That gave me a lot of confidence.”
Her turning point arrived during the Delhi leg of the tournament. Returning from injury, she faced the game with a fresh perspective—one focused on enjoying the game rather than being burdened by expectations. The results spoke volumes: she bagged an impressive four-wicket haul, including the prized wicket of Meg Lanning. “I always wanted to get her wicket, and when I did, I couldn’t believe it. I had visualized that moment for so long,” she delightedly shared, capturing the feeling of not just overcoming adversity but thriving within it.
Yet, the rollercoaster of emotions wouldn’t let up. In a gripping one-run loss, tears of frustration flowed, reminding her that every win comes with its share of pain. “Richa and I were batting, and I hadn’t even faced a single ball, but I just sat and cried after the game… overwhelmed.” It was a poignant reminder of the stakes and the pressures athletes often endure.
Then came the Eliminator against the Mumbai Indians. In what felt like a defining moment, it was evident that the team had rallied together, exuding calmness amid the chaos of a knockout game. “20 off 18, Pez (Ellyse Perry) was talking to us, and we never thought we were losing the match; we were just enjoying the moment.” Shreyanka’s game-changing wicket of Harmanpreet Kaur on the last ball of her spell swung the match in their favor, showcasing the incredible resilience of the team.
As they headed to the final against Delhi Capitals, nerves ran high. “At one point, I was calculating how many runs they might score and thinking, ‘How are we gonna chase that?’” But the tide shifted dramatically when Sophie Molineux’s spectacular three-wicket over changed the game. It was a blend of nail-biting suspense and sheer talent at work as RCB showcased their undefeated spirit.
By the time RCB wrapped up the innings, they had restricted Delhi to just 113 runs, laying the foundation for what would become a crowning moment in sports history. The thrill was palpable for Shreyanka as she found herself in the spotlight, being interviewed by none other than Ravi Shastri—a childhood idol. “When I was being interviewed, I thought back to all those years of imagining such a moment. I was a different beast.”
As the final runs were chased down, excitement mixed with desperate anticipation filled the air. “We were all like, just finish these runs as soon as possible, so we can lift the trophy.” And lift it they did. Richa Ghosh’s final shot sealed their victory, igniting pure jubilation within the team.
From being on the edge of elimination to a stunning comeback that culminated in a triumphant win, Shreyanka and the RCB proved that resilience and camaraderie can overcome even the greatest challenges. When the celebrations erupted, it was pure joy—Shreyanka leaping into the arms of teammates, cherishing unforgettable memories.
The celebrations reached an emotional peak when they received a surprise call from Virat Kohli. Imagine the pure joy and disbelief: “I was like, who are they all talking to? It felt like a family,” she recalled.
Reflecting on that day, Shreyanka encapsulated her experience with powerful simplicity: “Lifting the trophy felt like pure happiness and joy; I felt like a kid again.” March 17 would be a date forever etched in her heart, a symbol of perseverance, unity, and immense joy.
Image Source: Shreyanka Patil @ Instagram
