As the World Pickleball League entered its second season, Bengaluru Jawans returned as a side built around balance, and belief. At the core of that identity stands Vrushali Thakare, India’s No. 1-ranked women’s doubles and mixed doubles player, whose calm, composed presence has quietly become one of the most dependable forces in Indian pickleball.
Hailing from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, Thakare’s rise has been shaped by method. Long before pickleball, she competed at the national level in badminton and table tennis, disciplines that sharpened her reflexes, footwork, and understanding of tempo.
When she transitioned into pickleball in 2017, the seamless adaptation was rather natural. At her very first tournament, she won gold in doubles and silver in mixed doubles, which was an early sign of what was to come.
“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 philosophy has served her well in team environments, particularly in doubles formats where trust and communication are non-negotiable.
Known for her soft hands, intelligent resets, and a reliable dinking game, Thakare tends to thrive when matches demand more composure than chaos.
Her evolution, however, has not been static. Over the past year, she has consciously added more aggression to her arsenal, ensuring that her patience is now paired with adequate purpose.
Her credentials reflect both consistency and growth. Thakare is currently the only Indian female pickleball athlete sponsored by global sportswear brand Skechers, serving as a Skechers Performance India brand ambassador.
She has medalled at the Asia Open Pickleball Championships, World Pickleball Championships, Asian Pickleball Games, and multiple international and national events, while also playing a key role in Bengaluru Jawans’ title-winning campaign in WPBL Season 1.
“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.
Having started her journey with limited resources to becoming the country’s top-ranked women’s doubles player, she tends to perceive her success as a pathway for others.
Mentoring young athletes and contributing to the sport’s growth in India are instrumental to her broader purpose besides her professional career.
“My goal is to keep raising my level, represent India internationally, and help build a stronger future for pickleball here,” she added.
As Bengaluru Jawans commenced their title defence with a 5-0 win over Pune United, Vrushali Thakare embodied the quiet authority of a player who understands that championships are often won by composure, and not sheer force.
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