Daughter from Small Village Shines in World Cup Final for India

On November 2, 2025, the family of Indian women's cricket team pacer Renuka Thakur is eagerly watching the ICC Women's World Cup final between India and South Africa in Navi Mumbai. Renuka, who hails from the small village of Parsa in Himachal Pradesh, has been a standout performer for the Indian squad throughout the tournament, taking crucial wickets.

Renuka's journey to the world stage has been an inspiring one. She lost her father, Kehar Singh Thakur, when she was just 3 years old, and her mother, Sunita Thakur, has raised her single-handedly. Renuka's early love for cricket was nurtured by her uncle, Bhupinder Thakur, who recognized her talent and helped her get the opportunity to pursue the sport professionally.

Renuka's uncle, Mota Thakur, a retired principal, expressed his pride in her achievement, saying, "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." Renuka's journey began when a physical education teacher first spotted her potential and sent her to the Dharamshala Cricket Academy, where her professional career took off.

As the final unfolds, Renuka's family is praying for India's victory, with her mother, Sunita, saying, "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."