Playing her first T20I in over a year, Renuka finished with outstanding figures of 4\/21 from four overs, dismantling the Sri Lankan batting line-up and earning the Player of the Match award. The right-arm pacer missed India\u2019s tour of England earlier this year and was rested for the opening two matches of the series as the team experimented with different bowling combinations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the ICC Women\u2019s T20 World Cup less than six months away, Renuka\u2019s performance served as a timely reminder of her importance to India\u2019s plans.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMy performance was good. I have played T20 cricket for a long time, so I am happy. Kerala is my lucky place. I have also played Under-19 cricket here. Whenever I have played, I have taken four wickets. I was excited to come to Kerala. It is my lucky ground,\u201d she said in the post-match press conference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She also highlighted the team\u2019s broader focus as preparations intensify for the global event. \u201cThe bowling department is doing well. The combination of pacers and spinners is good. We are trying to find a better combination for the World Cup. We are trying to keep our standards high so that we can win as many matches as possible. Our motto is to take women's cricket to the next level.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Renuka has been India\u2019s leading wicket-taker at the last two editions of the Women\u2019s T20 World Cup, picking up seven wickets in both the 2023 and 2024 tournaments, though India fell short of reaching the final on both occasions. Buoyed by their maiden ICC Women\u2019s Cricket World Cup triumph at home earlier this year, the team is now eyeing a historic first T20 World Cup title in England and Wales in 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
According to Renuka, all planning is firmly centred on the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins on June 12. She revealed she has been working extensively on adding variations to her bowling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI go to the NCA (National Cricket Academy) to prepare for any tournament because it works for me. I can do some extra work on my bowling and fitness, and that helps me execute better.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
According to Renuka, all planning is firmly centred on the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins on June 12. She revealed she has been working extensively on adding variations to her bowling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India have been placed in Group A for next year\u2019s T20 World Cup, alongside Australia, Pakistan, South Africa and two teams yet to qualify from the qualifiers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n