Vrushali Thakare Leads Bengaluru Jawans In WPBL Title Defence

Bengaluru Jawans started the second World Pickleball League season with a dominant 5-0 victory over Pune United, and the performance again highlighted the influence of Vrushali Thakare. India's top women's

doubles and mixed doubles player now anchors the team's WPBL title defence with a calm, structured style.

Thakare sees the league format as a natural fit for personal strengths in pressure situations. "Team environments bring out the best in my game because trust and consistency are more important than anything," said India's No. 1 doubles player. That belief has shaped how Thakare approaches both matches and partnerships.

Thakare's method-first approach is central to Bengaluru's plans in the World Pickleball League. "I have always believed in building points patiently. My game is about slowing things down, creating pressure, and waiting for the right moment to attack," Thakare said. That patience helps Bengaluru Jawans manage tense phases during their WPBL title defence.

Her playing identity combines soft hands, measured resets and consistency at the non-volley line. Thakare often excels when matches demand control rather than speed. Over the past year, the focus has expanded. Thakare has deliberately added timely aggression, so the controlled build-up now carries greater finishing intent.

Thakare's journey begins far from major sporting centres, in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, where resources were limited. Competitive foundations developed through national-level badminton and table tennis, which sharpened reflexes, balance and reading of pace. These early experiences built confidence, even before pickleball became the main pursuit.

The switch to pickleball came in 2017 and felt natural rather than forced. At the debut tournament, Thakare won gold in doubles and silver in mixed doubles. Those results suggested the skill set from earlier racquet sports had transferred quickly and hinted at long-term potential within the World Pickleball League framework.

Thakare's record now shows steady progression as well as durability. She has earned medals at the Asia Open Pickleball Championships, World Pickleball Championships and Asian Pickleball Games, along with several international and national events. Thakare also played a major role during Bengaluru Jawans' title-winning run in WPBL Season 1.

Tournament / Event	Achievement
Asia Open Pickleball Championships	Medalled
World Pickleball Championships	Medalled
Asian Pickleball Games	Medalled
Multiple international and national events	Medalled
WPBL Season 1 with Bengaluru Jawans	Key role in title win

Commercial recognition has followed that consistency. Thakare is currently the only Indian female pickleball player sponsored by Skechers, and serves as a Skechers Performance India brand ambassador. The association reflects Thakare's status within the sport as Bengaluru Jawans chase another World Pickleball League crown.

The collective aspect of WPBL remains important to Thakare. "Winning with Bengaluru last season was special because it was a true team effort. Everyone trusted each other, and that's when you play your best pickleball," she added. That trust-based approach continues to guide Bengaluru Jawans' WPBL title defence.

Thakare often frames personal success as an example for others starting with few resources. Mentoring younger players and supporting pickleball's development in India form a key part of ongoing work, alongside the demands of international competition and the responsibility of leading a World Pickleball League franchise.

"My goal is to keep raising my level, represent India internationally, and help build a stronger future for pickleball here," she added. As Season 2 progresses, Bengaluru Jawans depend on that steady presence, with Thakare's composure and experience shaping how the WPBL title defence unfolds match by match.