Indian women's cricket is riding a wave of unprecedented success and excitement, and medium-pacer Renuka Singh Thakur is at the heart of this golden era. Speaking with infectious optimism ahead of the fourth Women's Premier League season, Renuka shared her vision of using the tournament as a springboard for glory at the T20 World Cup, just six months away.

"Everything will be important now," Renuka said warmly during an exclusive interview. "This is the platform where we can experience things. We can work on different things." For the talented bowler, who will represent Gujarat Giants this season under Ashleigh Gardner's leadership, the WPL represents far more than just another tournament—it's a golden opportunity to refine skills and build momentum toward the global stage.

The transformation in Indian women's cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. Renuka's journey from playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru to joining Gujarat Giants mirrors the broader evolution of the sport. What truly excites her is witnessing fresh talent emerge and make immediate impact. "Six months ago, players like Kranti Gaud and Sree Charani came from WPL, and they left an impact on the World Cup," she noted with pride.

The shift in public attention following India's ODI World Cup triumph has been dramatic, and Renuka is embracing it with grace and gratitude. "It's reassuring that people are asking me questions. We have been thinking for a long time about when people would ask us questions. Thank God we are getting all these things," she shared, her words reflecting the long journey women cricketers have traveled to reach this moment of recognition.

Beyond individual achievements, Renuka celebrates the structural improvements transforming the sport. Increased domestic match fees and better facilities signal a brighter future for aspiring players across India. "The domestic match fees have also increased. It feels good to hear that. How many more people will play cricket?" she reflected, acknowledging the leadership that has championed women's cricket at the highest levels.

The demanding schedule of modern cricket—with continuous matches across formats and competitions—is a challenge Renuka accepts gladly. "There are a lot of matches now. Since I have been playing in India, I don't get much time to rest. But it feels good to see that Indian cricket has grown a lot," she said, viewing the packed calendar as evidence of progress rather than burden.

The WPL has also created invaluable opportunities for Indian players to learn alongside international stars. Renuka speaks fondly of bowling with Australia's Kim Garth and the insights gained from such partnerships. "We often discuss what to do and what is better. I have a good bond with her," she explained, highlighting how the tournament fosters global connections and skill development.

Perhaps most inspiring is Renuka's steadfast philosophy: "If you play good cricket, you will definitely get good results. I believe in hard work." As Indian women's cricket enters this decisive phase, with the T20 World Cup on the horizon, players like Renuka Singh Thakur embody the confidence, preparation, and positive spirit that promise exciting times ahead for fans and the sport itself.