Renuka Thakur fulfils late father’s dream with World Cup triumph:Mother moved to tears as locals celebrate historic win with Nati dance fireworks

The Indian women’s cricket team has made history by winning the ODI World Cup for the first time in 52 years. Celebrations erupted across the country, especially in fast bowler Renuka Thakur’s ancestral village Parsa in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla district. Villagers gathered at her home to watch the final, danced the traditional Nati, and burst crackers.Renuka’s family became emotional, remembering her late father whose dream she has now fulfilled. Father’s dream comes true Renuka’s mother, Sunita Thakur, said the victory was possible with the blessings of their local deity. She recalled that Renuka’s father always dreamed of his children becoming sportspersons — either cricketers or kabaddi players.Sunita added that although her husband is no longer alive, his dream has been realised today. She also credited Renuka’s uncle Bhupendra Thakur for guiding her daughter’s career and said calls of congratulations were pouring in from all over the state. Brother named after Vinod Kambli Renuka’s brother, Vinod Thakur, said their father was a big cricket fan and especially admired Vinod Kambli. That’s why he named his son after the famous cricketer. Vinod said the whole village was celebrating the win, and people would perform the Nati dance throughout the day. Renuka started playing with boys To fulfil her father’s dream, Renuka began playing cricket with boys in her village. She often practised with her brother and local children. Even then, she was known for her sharp bowling and accuracy. Uncle guided her to cricket academy Seeing her talent, Renuka’s uncle Bhupendra Singh, who is a physical education teacher, advised her to join the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Academy in Dharamshala.In 2009, Renuka was admitted to the academy and soon began playing for Himachal Pradesh’s Under-16 and Under-19 teams, marking the start of her professional journey. From debut to international success Renuka made her T20 international debut in October 2021 against Australia. In February 2022, she played her first ODI against New Zealand.She was the highest wicket-taker for India in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and was later named ‘Emerging Woman Cricketer of the Year’ by the ICC. Disciplined bowling at the World Cup In the World Cup, Renuka played five out of seven matches, taking three wickets. Though her wicket tally was modest, she bowled economically and kept the pressure on opponents.In the final, two catches were dropped off her bowling, but she continued to maintain her focus and helped India lift the trophy. A proud family and village Renuka’s mother said the entire village is proud of her daughter’s success. For them, the World Cup win is not just a sporting triumph — it is the fulfilment of a late father’s dream and the reward for years of hard work and faith. See jubilant scenes at Renuka’s home –