The Indian women's cricket team is poised to extend its commanding run against Sri Lanka, targeting a fourth successive victory in the fourth T20 International this Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram. The series has showcased India's depth, with pace spearhead Renuka Singh Thakur emerging as a central figure in their dominance.
Kerala: Renuka Singh's Personal Hunting Ground
For the fiery pacer from Himachal Pradesh, the venue in the Kerala capital holds a special significance. Renuka has consistently delivered exceptional performances here, a trend that continued in the third T20I where her spell of 4 for 21 dismantled Sri Lanka's middle order and earned her the Player of the Match award.
"Kerala is my lucky place," Renuka affirmed after the match on Friday. Her connection with Thiruvananthapuram runs deep, from her U-19 days to the senior international stage. "Whenever I come here, I take four wickets. I'm always excited to come to Kerala and Thiruvananthapuram is my lucky ground," she added with a characteristic laugh, noting her amusing pattern of four-wicket hauls.
Discipline, Evolution, and World Cup Focus
Renuka's success is rooted in a rigorous and disciplined preparation regime. Before major tournaments, she consistently trains at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. "I go to the NCA to prepare for any tournament because it works for me," she explained. "I can do some extra work on my bowling and fitness, and that helps me execute better."
The last year has seen a marked evolution in the 29-year-old's bowling. Moving beyond being solely a new-ball swing bowler, she has diligently expanded her arsenal. Slower balls, pace variations, and subtle changes in length and release point are now integral to her craft. This transformation is strategically timed with the upcoming T20 World Cup in mind.
"For the last six months to a year, I've been working on my variations because I knew the World Cup was coming up," Renuka stated. "There shouldn't be a doubt in my head. I want to be mentally prepared." This mental fortitude allows her to recalibrate effectively even after a costly first over, as witnessed in the previous game.
An Indispensable Cog in India's Bowling Machine
Renuka's value to the team is widely recognized. Former India women's team coach WV Raman described her as a "vital cog" in the bowling unit—crafty, intelligent, and equipped with a plethora of variations. He highlighted that the seam-friendly conditions expected at next year's T20 World Cup in England could be the perfect stage for her talents.
Leadership support from captain Harmanpreet Kaur and guidance from legendary mentor Jhulan Goswami have also been instrumental in her journey. Goswami's advice about the extra effort required for five-wicket hauls continues to motivate Renuka, who has just one T20I five-for to her name—a stunning 5/15 against England in the 2023 World Cup.
As India, buoyed by recent ODI World Cup success, builds its core for the future, Renuka Singh stands as an indispensable pillar. In Thiruvananthapuram, and potentially on the global stage in England, she is not just delivering spells but meticulously carving her legacy, one decisive wicket at a time.
