Royal Challengers Bengaluru were dealt another cruel injury blow for their Women's Premier League season on Saturday as last year's Purple Cap winner Shreyanka Patil was ruled out of the tournament. "Heartbroken, but I will fly again," Shreyanka had posted on social media just before the team's season-opener in Vadodara on Friday. A day later the league confirmed that she will miss the tournament. RCB, however, have managed to get a strong replacement as they picked the seasoned Sneh Rana who was a surprise non-recruitment during the mini action. Shreyanka, who has played 15 matches for RCB and has taken19 wickets, with 13 of those coming last year as she finished as the leading wicket-taker. With this news, RCB have now lost the three leading wicket-takers from the 2024 edition. Sophie Molineux and Asha Sobhana (with 12 wickets each) are also out of the third season due to injuries. Apart from their three main bowlers, RCB also lost the services of Sophie Devine in the offseason as the New Zealand superstar decided to take a break from cricket for personal reasons. Kate Cross too pulled out of this year's tournament. To add to all this, Ellyse Perry confirmed she won't be bowling for at least the early part of the tournament. "We have had quite a few injuries post the auction. Some of the players who were in the XI last year are unavailable. Sophie (Devine) is one of the best all-rounders in the world, so we will definitely miss her," Mandhana said in the captains' meet organised by Star Sports before the season when asked about Devine's absence. "It will be tough, but mental well-being is more important than anything. We respect that. Even other injuries. it's tough. But we have had discussions around that. Playing for them is also something that will keep the team looking forward." Rana, who is an all-rounder, has previously played for Gujarat Giants (GG) in the WPL and even led the side when Beth Mooney was out injured. She joins RCB for Rs 30 Lakh.
