Renuka Singh Thakur's Remarkable Journey

Pallavi Sharma
DHARAMSHALA:
Celebrating India's groundbreaking victory at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, Renuka Singh Thakur from Rohru, near Shimla, remains humble, attributing her success to the individual who first recognized her talent for swing bowling.

That individual is her uncle, Bhupender Singh Thakur, a physical education teacher who identified her potential while she played cricket with her brother and local boys in the village fields. He encouraged her to enroll in the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Academy.

On November 2, 2025, India secured its first women's world title by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. Renuka's disciplined bowling performance reaffirmed her status as a key player in India's pace attack.

Although she didn't take many wickets, her ability to maintain control during the death overs was crucial in limiting the Proteas' scoring, making her contribution as significant as any wicket in India's victory.

Crucial Bowling Spell

When she bowled the 44th over, South Africa's batters were eager to accelerate their scoring. Renuka remained composed under pressure, using her sharp inswingers and consistent line to restrict runs and induce mistakes from the opposition.

While Deepti Sharma (5/39) and Shafali Verma (87 runs and two wickets) received the spotlight, insiders recognize that it was Renuka's precise bowling that shifted the momentum in India's favor. Her performance exemplified discipline and teamwork, which have defined her career. A senior HPCA coach remarked, “She always bowled for the team, not for personal accolades. That’s what distinguishes her.”

A Journey of Resilience and Support

Renuka's ascent from the scenic hills of Rohru to the global stage is a story of perseverance and guidance. After losing her father at a young age, she was raised by her mother in humble circumstances. However, her uncle, Bhupender Singh Thakur, became her first mentor.

“Renuka was a natural athlete with incredible focus,” Bhupender recalls. “I believed that with the right training, she could achieve great things.” He encouraged her to apply to the HPCA Residential Academy in Dharamshala in 2009, a pivotal decision that changed her life.

Renuka quickly progressed to Himachal’s Under-16 and Under-19 teams and gained national attention during the 2019-20 Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, where she took 23 wickets. Her relentless dedication and quiet determination propelled her to the Indian national team.

A Proud Moment for Himachal and India

The 2025 World Cup victory was not only a moment of pride for India but also a significant achievement for Himachal Pradesh. Alongside Renuka, batter Harleen Deol from Mandi was also part of the winning squad. HPCA secretary Avnish Parmar hailed the accomplishment as “a golden day for women’s cricket in the state.”

“It’s a tremendous honor that two of our players contributed to India’s first World Cup win,” Parmar stated. “Renuka’s journey illustrates the impact of vision, family support, and grassroots development.”

Renuka's educational path reflects her sporting determination, having studied in Dharamshala and Kangra, followed by higher education at Guru Nanak Dev University and Khalsa College in Amritsar, and later at Government College in Dharamshala.

As India celebrated with the anthem Vande Mataram echoing in the background, Renuka Singh Thakur stood quietly among her teammates, embodying calm satisfaction. For her, the journey from the small fields of Rohru to the grand stage of international cricket has come full circle, with her uncle being the one who recognized her potential before anyone else.