Renuka lost her father, Kehar Singh Thakur, who worked in the state’s irrigation and public health department, when she was just three years old. (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: The family of Indian women’s cricket team pacer Renuka Singh Thakur is glued to the television, praying for India’s victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup final against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Renuka, who hails from Parsa village in Rohru, Himachal Pradesh, has been a key part of the Indian squad, taking crucial wickets throughout the tournament.Renuka lost her father, Kehar Singh Thakur, who worked in the state’s irrigation and public health department, when she was just three years old. Since then, her mother, Sunita Thakur, has raised her single-handedly.

“We have prayed to the gods and goddesses that India must win today. I am very proud that my daughter, coming from a small village, is bringing glory to the country,” Sunita Thakur told PTI Videos, surrounded by 15–16 family members watching the final together.Sunita fondly recalled Renuka’s early love for cricket, saying her daughter used to play with boys in the village. As a child, she would make balls out of cloth and use a wooden bat to play by the roadside.“My brother-in-law, Bhupinder Thakur, saw Renuka’s talent and said that this girl has potential, and it was with his support that Renuka got the opportunity to move forward,” she said.Renuka’s uncle, Mota Thakur, a retired principal, added, “We never thought that a daughter from our small village would play for India in the World Cup. Renuka has achieved this position through hard work and struggle.”It was another uncle, a physical education teacher, who first recognised her ability and sent her to the Dharamshala Cricket Academy, where her professional journey began.So far, in the 2025 World Cup, Renuka has featured in five of India’s seven matches, taking three wickets. She has played against Pakistan, England, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Australia in the semifinal.