India women’s cricket star Shreyanka Patil has revealed how visualization, self-belief, and a strong team culture have played a major role in her rise from a young cricket enthusiast to one of the country’s most exciting talents.
Speaking on The Champion Code with Rupha Ramani, the all-rounder shared insights into her journey, her experiences in the Indian dressing room, the impact of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), and India’s preparations for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Wearing the India Jersey Is a Dream Come True
For Shreyanka, representing India remains the ultimate achievement.
The young cricketer said her love for the game began at an early age and she always dreamed of wearing the Indian jersey. She described playing for the country as a privilege and said every opportunity to represent India fills her with gratitude and pride.
Manifestation and Visualization Shaped Her Journey
One of the most interesting aspects of Shreyanka’s success story is her belief in manifestation and visualization.
She revealed that she had mentally prepared herself for her India debut years before it actually happened. According to her, repeatedly visualizing pressure situations, match-winning performances, and life as an international cricketer helped her feel ready when the opportunity finally arrived.
Shreyanka credited mentor Arjun for introducing her to the concept of staying mentally ahead of the game and preparing for challenges before they arise.
Smriti Mandhana Helped Ease the Transition
While stepping into the Indian dressing room can be intimidating for many young players, Shreyanka said excitement outweighed nervousness because she had already imagined the moment countless times.
However, she acknowledged the important role played by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana in helping her settle into the national setup.
Shreyanka described Mandhana as someone she turns to during both good and difficult moments, saying she feels comfortable and supported around the senior batter.
A Dressing Room That Feels Like India
Asked to describe the atmosphere inside the Indian women’s dressing room, Shreyanka called it a perfect reflection of India’s diversity.
She said the team brings together cultures from every corner of the country, creating an environment filled with laughter, dancing, singing, and constant support for one another.
According to her, the dressing room feels more like a joyful classroom where teammates celebrate each other’s achievements and enjoy spending time together.
WPL Changed Women’s Cricket Forever
Shreyanka believes the Women’s Premier League has transformed the landscape of women’s cricket in India.
She spoke about the confidence gained from playing in front of packed stadiums and learning alongside international stars. The WPL, she said, has provided young players with exposure to high-pressure situations, making the transition to international cricket much smoother.
The all-rounder also acknowledged the contributions of senior players such as Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, who experienced the sport before the current era of increased support, facilities, and recognition.
Ellyse Perry’s Leadership Left a Lasting Impact
One of Shreyanka’s most memorable cricketing moments came during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful WPL campaign.
She recalled a crucial Eliminator match where RCB appeared to be out of contention before Australian star Ellyse Perry delivered a brief but powerful team talk.
According to Shreyanka, Perry’s words completely changed the mood within the dressing room, helping the team believe they could still win. RCB went on to pull off a remarkable victory and eventually claim their maiden WPL title.
Bowlers Still Win Matches
In an era dominated by explosive batting and power-hitting, Shreyanka remains convinced that bowlers continue to be the true match-winners.
She pointed to the impact of elite bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and England’s Lauren Bell, arguing that standout bowling performances often decide major tournaments.
The young spinner encouraged aspiring bowlers to develop the ability to perform in all phases of the game rather than limiting themselves to specific roles.
Eyes on the T20 World Cup
Looking ahead to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Shreyanka said preparations within the Indian camp are progressing smoothly.
She highlighted the strong communication, clarity, and mutual understanding among players as key strengths of the squad.
After experiencing the joy of lifting a major trophy in 2025, Shreyanka said the team is determined to bring home India’s first Women’s T20 World Cup title and give fans another reason to celebrate.
With confidence running high and preparations gathering momentum, Shreyanka believes the team is ready to embrace the challenge and pursue its biggest dream on the global stage.