Renuka Singh Thakur, part of the Indian Women’s ODI World Cup-winning squad, switched from Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Gujarat Giants for the fourth season of the WPL.

In conversation with Manifest (full chat in the February issue), Thakur stated how life has gotten busier after the win.

"I have gotten busier off the cricket field. Brands have approached us as a team, and we have had other commitments too, which led to us having very little time for ourselves. Prior to this, there wasn’t much interest from brands in women’s cricket. Our brand value has increased quite a bit after the World Cup win. In fact, I have had to say no to quite a few brands that have approached me because I didn’t have time for myself or for training," said Thakur.

Thakur added that cricket will continue coming first for her and saying no to brands was just a factor of time versus not wanting to associate with them for the categories they operate in.

"It was just about time. For me, cricket comes first. And then comes anything else because it’s cricket that has given me these brand associations. So, I want to train and give everything for the sport, and then if I have the time, I’d like to endorse or shoot for some brands. The schedule has been so busy that I haven’t had the time to spend with my family either," she added.

Thakur has worked with brands like Samsung and Myfrido over the last few months. While she doesn't have a dream brand to work with, she does have a 'dream person' to work alongside.

"I’d work with any brand that pays well, given I have the time to do so. I’m not sure about a dream brand, but I’d love to work with Virat Kohli on a brand campaign," she said.

This article first appeared in the February issue. To read her views about what she likes about advertising, how she took on trolls on social media, and more by purchasing the issue which can be bought here.