The year 2025 has been a monumental one for Indian cricketer Renuka Thakur, marked by triumphs in both the Women's Premier League (WPL) and the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. The 29-year-old fast bowler from Himachal Pradesh has credited these victories with fostering a more positive mindset, fueling her ambition for continued success on the global stage.
Thakur's journey to success was not without challenges. Growing up in a small village, she faced limited opportunities, but with the unwavering support of her mother, Sunita Thakur, and her uncle, Bhupinder Singh Thakur, she was able to pursue her passion for cricket. Her father, Kehar Singh Thakur, who passed away when Renuka was only three years old, was a great fan of cricket and wanted his children to excel in sports.
Renuka's talent was first spotted by her uncle, Bhupinder Singh Thakur, who encouraged her to join the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Academy at Dharamshala. There, coach Pawan Sen honed her skills, recognizing her natural ability to swing the ball. He focused on developing her strength and fitness, while also teaching her techniques by showing videos of Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Thakur's domestic career saw her representing Himachal Pradesh and Railways. She was the leading wicket-taker in the 2019-20 Senior Women's One Day League, with 23 dismissals. This performance earned her a spot in the India A Women's team and eventually led to her international debut in 2021 against Australia.
Since then, Renuka has become a key member of the Indian women's cricket team. A defining moment came at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, where she was the highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets, helping India secure a silver medal. She also made history by becoming the first Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul in T20 World Cup, achieving the feat against England in the 2023 edition.
In the 2025 WPL season, Renuka played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) victory. Despite a slow start in previous WPL seasons, she focused on her fitness and worked with Troy Cooley at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to refine her skills. Her efforts paid off as she emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament, contributing significantly to RCB's title win.
The pinnacle of Renuka Thakur's career arrived with India's triumph at the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup. This historic victory, the first-ever World Cup title for the Indian women's team, has set a new benchmark, with the team now aiming to make winning a habit. Renuka's contribution to the World Cup win was significant, and her success has been widely celebrated. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, announced a cash prize of ₹1 crore for her achievement.
Looking ahead, Renuka aims to continue improving her game and contributing to the Indian team's success. She admires legendary Indian pacers Jhulan Goswami and Jasprit Bumrah, seeking guidance from them to enhance her bowling skills and handle pressure in high-stakes tournaments. With a positive mindset and unwavering determination, Renuka Thakur is poised to achieve even greater heights in her cricketing journey.
