The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 has kicked off with thrilling action, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) duo of Renuka Singh Thakur and Georgia Wareham have already made headlines with their stunning performances. Following RCB’s impressive victory against the Delhi Capitals (DC) on February 17, 2025, both players shared insights on their recent performance.
Renuka Singh Thakur expressed her delight at returning to Vadodara, stating, “Actually, I was really happy by listening to the name of Baroda, because it’s been a happy hunting ground for me and that has always given me the confidence.”
Her words resonate profoundly with her statistics, 10 wickets at an outstanding average of 9.90 and an economy rate of just 3.43 at the Kotambi Stadium (before the commencement of the ongoing 3rd edition of the WPL). This included a remarkable, maiden five-wicket haul during her last ODI series against the West Indies, showcasing her ability to rise to the occasion.
Her performance against DC further solidified her reputation as one of the leading wicket-takers, especially with the new ball in the powerplay. Thakur’s ability to dismantle the opposition was evident as she sent the dangerous opener Shafali Verma packing for a golden duck in just the second delivery of the innings.
Speaking on her plan to dismiss Verma, Renuka stated, “I knew that I can beat her with the swing. We had blocked her areas of strength, so we had planned. I just executed it, and it just happened at the right time.” This calculated approach not only reflects her technical acumen but also her understanding of the game at a strategic level.
Meanwhile, Georgia Wareham emphasized her mission to rectify her performance from the first match of the season. “I’m just working on what didn’t work in the first game… It’s nice to be able to contribute today,” she remarked following her exceptional bowling figures of 4 overs, 25 runs, and 3 wickets.
As a leg-spinner, Wareham acknowledged the importance of creating opportunities for her team and her role in changing the momentum of the match.
In a pivotal moment, Wareham successfully outfoxed Jemimah Rodrigues, getting her stumped, who was looking set after a brisk 34 runs, showcasing her sharp cricketing instincts. Her ability to contribute with both the ball and bat not only adds depth to RCB but also reinforces the team’s overall strategy.
The bowling attack from RCB was a symphony of skill and strategy, with both Renuka and Georgia leading the charge. Thakur’s 4 overs for 23 runs with 3 wickets complemented Wareham’s equally impressive spell, as both bowlers shared the spotlight.
The duo, along with Kim Garth and Ekta Bisht, restricted DC to a mere 141 runs, paving the way for an effortless chase. In the batting department, RCB’s openers Smriti Mandhana and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge set a solid foundation with a 107-run partnership, propelling the team towards victory. Mandhana’s stellar performance, which included a career-best 81 runs off 47 balls, highlighted her prowess and exemplary leadership on the field.
With this emphatic victory, RCB has positioned itself at the top of the table, demonstrating both resilience and determination. Renuka Singh Thakur’s Player of the Match award is a testament to her exceptional spell and overall contributions to the team. As RCB continues its campaign in WPL 2025, the performances of players like Renuka and Georgia will be crucial in maintaining their momentum and aspirations for defending the title.
The blend of strategic planning, skillful execution, and confidence showcased by Renuka Singh Thakur and Georgia Wareham sets the tone for the rest of the tournament. Their commitment to teamwork and individual excellence is sure to inspire young cricketers and captivate fans worldwide as the WPL unfolds.
(Quotes sourced from video posted by WPLT20 on Instagram)
Loves all things female cricket
