In recent years, Indian women’s cricket has transformed into one of the most exciting parts of the game. Behind this growth are young cricketers whose talent and determination have helped India compete with the world’s best teams. One such player is Renuka Singh Thakur, a fast bowler whose skill and passion for the sport have made her an important part of Team India’s bowling attack. From her early days in Shimla to bowling in major international matches, Renuka’s journey is a story of dreams, resilience, and achievement.
Renuka’s ability to swing the ball, hit the right spots, and stay calm when pressure is high has made her a bowler that top batters fear. She has represented India in all three formats of international cricket and has been a key player in important tournaments. As her name continues to rise in global cricket discussions, many young girls across India look up to her as an inspiration.
This blog explores her background, her rise to cricketing prominence, key performances on the world stage, and her growing legacy as one of India’s standout players.
Born
Renuka Singh Thakur was born on January 2, 1996, in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Growing up in a simple environment, she developed a strong interest in sports at a young age. She was a naturally fit athlete and often played cricket in her local area. Despite limited facilities, her passion for the game remained strong.
In 2009, her journey took a serious turn when she joined the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association’s residential academy for girls. Life at the academy was disciplined and demanding, but it helped her shape both her skills and mindset. With regular training, she learned how to swing the ball, maintain accuracy, and build pace. These early years laid the foundation for her professional career.
Performance
Renuka’s performances truly began to stand out at the domestic level. In 2019, she became the leading wicket-taker in the domestic one-day tournament, claiming 23 wickets. This performance brought her into the spotlight and opened the door to international cricket.
Her impact at the global level was clearly seen during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where India won the silver medal. Renuka finished as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, taking 11 wickets in five matches at an excellent economy rate. Her spells of 4/18 against Australia and 4/10 against Barbados showed her ability to dominate strong batting sides.
In the middle of her rising success, the phrase Renuka Singh Thakur – World Cup winner became closely linked with her name, as fans and experts recognized her importance in major tournaments and her growing influence on the world stage.
She further created history by becoming the first Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul in the Women’s T20 World Cup, recording 5/15 against England in South Africa. Her consistent performances earned her the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year award and a No. 3 ranking in the ICC T20I bowlers’ list.
Career
Renuka Singh Thakur made her T20 International debut in 2021 against Australia in Canberra, followed by her ODI debut against New Zealand. Her transition to international cricket was smooth due to her discipline, work ethic, and self-belief. She quickly became a trusted bowler in India’s playing XI.
In December 2023, she made her Test debut, becoming an all-format player for India. Over time, she has emerged as one of the leaders of India’s bowling unit. In 2025, she was part of the historic Indian team that won the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, marking one of the biggest achievements of her career.
Achievements
Renuka Singh Thakur’s achievements reflect her consistent growth and impact:
- Leading wicket-taker in the 2019 domestic one-day tournament
- Highest wicket-taker at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
- ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2022)
- Reached No. 3 in ICC T20I bowlers’ rankings
- First Indian woman to take a five-wicket haul in a T20 World Cup (vs. England, 2023)
- Member of India’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup-winning team (2025)
- Renuka was an integral part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team that secured their maiden WPL title in the 2024 season.
Summary!
Renuka Singh Thakur’s journey from the hills of Himachal Pradesh to the world’s biggest cricket tournaments is truly inspiring. Her story reflects patience, hard work, and confidence. With her swing bowling and calm approach, she has become one of India’s most dependable fast bowlers and a role model for young athletes.
Her achievements show that success comes from discipline and belief, not background or location. As women’s cricket continues to grow, Renuka’s journey will remain an important example of what determination can achieve.
At BeingPahadia, sharing stories like Renuka Singh Thakur’s supports the mission of celebrating Indian achievers and inspiring young readers through real stories of success.