‘Virat Kohli has always been my inspiration’ - Shreyanka Patil opens up on veteran’s influence

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Shreyanka Patil has named Indian cricket veteran Virat Kohli as her role model and source of inspiration during the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season. The young cricketer revealed that Kohli has long been a fitness benchmark for her and added that she greatly admires his aggressive mindset on the field.

Much like Kohli, Shreyanka made her professional debut at a young age, around 20, and has quickly established herself as a key performer. In the WPL, she has taken 28 wickets in 20 matches at an economy rate of 8.64, showcasing her effectiveness as a bowling all-rounder.

Her impact extends to the international stage as well. Shreyanka has claimed 20 wickets in 16 T20I matches for India Women at an impressive economy rate of 6.23. She has also featured in three ODI matches, where she picked up five wickets. After WPL, she will be seen in action against Australia in a three-match T20I series in February.

"It's always been Virat Kohli. One of the reasons why I started playing cricket was him, started watching the IPL. His aggression on the field. I just wanted to be like him. Also, off the field, the way he was working towards his fitness when it was not a big thing back then. He made sure that everyone is fit in the Indian team or any team he plays for. So, yeah, he's always been my biggest inspiration,” said Shreyanka in AB de Villiers YouTube channel.

Shreyanka has made a stunning return to competitive cricket with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the WPL 2026. She is currently the second-highest wicket-taker for the franchise, having picked up nine wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 8.92. She trails only Nadine de Klerk, who leads the charts with 10 wickets. The young all-rounder recently produced the best bowling figures of her career, registering a brilliant 5 for 23 against Gujarat Giants.

Shreyanka’s exploits with the ball have played a key role in RCB’s impressive run in the tournament. RCB have registered five consecutive victories, placing them firmly at the top of the points table. Smriti Mandhana-led RCB will next take on Delhi Capitals Women on Saturday, January 24.