Indian pace spearhead Renuka Singh Thakur has hailed Kerala as her "lucky place" following a decisive bowling performance that secured victory for the Women in Blue against Sri Lanka. The right-arm seamer's fiery spell was instrumental in India clinching the three-match T20I series with an unassailable lead.
A Spell That Sealed the Series
Playing at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on July 9, Renuka Singh unleashed a masterclass in pace bowling. She finished with impressive figures of 3 for 22 in her four overs, effectively dismantling the Sri Lankan top order. Her early breakthroughs set the tone, restricting the visitors and paving the way for a comfortable Indian win.
"I am very happy with my performance," Renuka stated after receiving the Player of the Match award. She emphasized the significance of the team's collective effort and the positive momentum gained from this series win. The victory was particularly sweet as it marked a strong comeback after the preceding ODI series.
Thiruvananthapuram: A Venue of Fortune
The connection between Renuka and the Kerala venue is not new. She revealed that the Greenfield Stadium has always been a fruitful ground for her. "Kerala is my lucky place. I have performed well here earlier too," she remarked, recalling past successes. She expressed a deep comfort with the pitch conditions in Thiruvananthapuram, which seem to complement her bowling style perfectly.
"I love bowling on these kinds of tracks," Renuka explained, highlighting how the surface offered good bounce and carry. This allowed her to bowl the aggressive, hard lengths that are her trademark, making life difficult for the Sri Lankan batters from the very first over.
Focus on Rhythm and Team Goals
When asked about the secret behind her successful return, the pacer pointed to rhythm as the key component. "My focus is always on my rhythm," she said, underscoring the importance of a smooth, consistent run-up and delivery action. This focus on fundamentals, rather than overcomplicating her plans, yielded the desired results.
Looking ahead, Renuka Singh emphasized that the team's eyes are firmly set on larger objectives. "We are preparing for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh," she noted, indicating that every match is a stepping stone towards that premier global tournament. Performances like these in bilateral series are crucial for building confidence and testing strategies under match pressure.
The comprehensive series win against Sri Lanka, powered by standout performances from bowlers like Renuka, sends a strong message about the depth and form of the Indian women's cricket team as they continue their journey on the world stage.
