I have worked hard on my in-swing: Renuka Thakur after maiden ODI fifer

Renuka Singh Thakur played some unplayable deliveries during the first One-Day International (ODI) against West Indies at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, on December 22 (Sunday). Her five wickets were of the opposition's top seven, including skipper Hayley Matthews and the experienced Deandra Dottin.

She has credited her maiden ODI fifer to the hard work she has put in working on her in-swingers. “It really feels good to claim a maiden fifer in ODIs because it’s hard to get wickets in this format,” Renuka said at the post-match press conference following India's 211-run victory.

“I have worked hard on my in-swing since my early days, and I constantly hone my skills so that I can enjoy more success.”

Speaking of the strategy during the game, she said, “Our plan was to bowl stump-to-stump, and that helped us. Since it got a bit cold in the evening and dew was settling in, it helped us."

Renuka, along with fellow pacers Titas Sadhu and Saima Thakor, had long net sessions ahead of the game and were seen practising under the watchful eyes of coach Aavishkar Salvi. 

Speaking about that, Renuka Said, “We were discussing how to bowl under lights and which deliveries will be effective. We tried out several deliveries - including some in-swingers and out-swingers - and it was a good session. Since we prepare together, we know each others’ strengths."

India and West Indies clash in the second ODI of the series on December 24 (Tuesday) at the same venue.